Valmiera saved at eleventh hour

The future of Virsliga side FK Valmiera has been secured just a month before the start of new Latvian season.

Threat of bankruptcy
The club, who were under threat of bankruptcy, have appointed a new coach and announced they would change their name after joining forces with the local basketball club.

Secure for now
Valmiera's future was decided after a meeting between the Latvian Football Federation (LFF) president Guntis Indriksons and Valmiera city council officials. At the meeting, Indriksons was assured that Valmiera will be able to start the season and that the club's financial status is secure – at least for now.

Erglis in charge
Following the merger, the club have announced they will now be known as FBK Valmiera. Gatis Erglis, a Valmiera veteran, has been appointed as the new coach and Janis Baiks, deputy exective director of Valmiera city council, will take over as the club's president.

'Valmiera's football is safe'
"We were always sure it was possible to keep Valmiera afloat. After Mr Indrikson's meeting with the local officials it is clear that football in Valmiera is safe," LFF general secretary Janis Mezeckis said.

Future certain
“We are sure about our future, even though we still have financial difficulties. I am happy to say that the LFF were flexible with us and that's why we could come up with a solution," Valmiera general manager Janis Bacis said.

Worries about squad
New coach Erglis, however, has fears about the squad. “Aside from money, I am very worried about the situation we have with the squad. We only have 11 players now," he said. “But the most important thing is that we will play in the Virsliga."