Podpaly leaves Gomel
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Article summary
Sergei Podpaly has been dismissed as coach of Belarussian champions FC Gomel.
Article body
'Same again'
"I will just continue to do what Podpaly did," Goriunov said. "I do not see the point of changing anything drastically." No explanation has yet been given for Podpaly's departure and the coach himself refused to shed any light on the subject. "I will not comment on the reasons for dismissal," Podpaly said.
Successful run
Podpaly had been in charge of Gomel for the past three seasons, leading the club to their first Belarus cup success in 2002 and to the league title for the first time last season. Their form has dropped this season, however, and last Wednesday's 4-1 loss to FC Neman Grodno saw Gomel fall to seventh, seven points behind leaders FC Torpedo-SKA Minsk after eleven matches.
Early test
Goriunov's first match in charge of Gomel is tonight against FC Dinamo Brest before he begins preparations for the start of his side's UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign against Albanian side KF Tirana in the first qualifying round on 14 July.
