Plisek picked for Željeznicar post

Bosnia-Herzegovinan side NK Željeznicar have unexpectedly parted company with coach Milomir Obradovic and appointed Jiri Plisek in his place.

Two-year contract
The 33-year-old Czech coach has signed a two-year contract with the club and leaves his position with the Czech Republic's Under-16 side to take up the post. He has previously coached SK Slavia Praha's junior team and was assistant coach with the Czech Under-19 national team.

UEFA Cup spot
Plisek takes over from Obradovic, who led Željeznicar to second place in the Bosnia-Herzegovinan Premier League in 2003/04 and a place in the UEFA Cup for next season.

European ambitions
"The appointment of a new coach is maybe shocking news," said Željeznicar president Faruk Telibecirevic. "But we want to compete in European competition and bringing in a foreign coach had been in our plans for a while. This was the best time to make the change as the new coach will be able to coordinate his preparations and form his team for the new season."

Pre-season preparations
"I am glad to join the country's most successful club," said Plisek. "I know a lot about the club, but I have to admit that I do not know a lot about the players. We do not have a lot of time, since the new season starts on 7 August and I will begin my preparations early."