Sunny, Sunny, Sunny F***ing Beach

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November

04/11/2015
Bulgarian Cup 2nd round 1st Leg
( H )Vs Botev(Plovdiv)
View attachment 247011
Chernomorets 2-1 Botev(Plovdiv)
Diaz(15), Kolev o.g(42), Loriet(77)

A hard fought win to give us a slight advantage going into the second leg. Its a shame we couldn't manage to find the third goal for a bit more comfort.

07/11/2015
( A )Vs Slavia(Sofia)
View attachment 247010
Slavia(Sofia) 1-2 Chernomorets
Hadzhiev(9), Hadzhiev(50), Silva(58)

We start with a fantastic away win, just what we need to get ourselves back in the hunt for a European spot. Hadzhiev's best game foe us, Hopefully it will continue.

22/11/2015
( H )Vs Cherno More
View attachment 247007
Chernomorets 0-0 Cherno More

Another hard fought and very much deserved point against one of the in form teams in the league. We were slightly the better side, but very happy with a point.

25/11/2015
( A )Vs Botev(Plovdiv)
View attachment 247005
Botev(Plovdiv) 1-0 Chernomorets
Dore(58)

Once again we cannot go any further than the second round, once again knocked out on away goals, The tie was very close over the 2 legs, and could have gone either way.

29/11/2015
( A )Vs Litex
View attachment 247000
Litex 1-0 Chernomorets
Gil(Pen 16)

Another close game in this division, Got a feeling there isnt going to be much difference between quite a few teams.

League
View attachment 246998

After a half decent month we find ourselves in fifth position. Looks as though its going to be tight all the way until the end of the season. Just 2 games left before the winter break, where i may need to strengthen some area's

Player of The month
View attachment 246996
Zhivko Hadzhiev
Apps:3
Goals:2
Assists:0
Motm:1
Av Rating:7.10​
 
December

06/12/2015
( A )Vs Botev(Plovdiv)
View attachment 246986
Botev(Plovdiv) 1-1 Chernomorets
Gamakov(47), Vodenicharov(56), Stoyanov s.o(87)

A good solid draw to begin the month, we have had some battles with Plovdiv this season and there all normally very close, The game was end to end, and either club could have won it.

13/12/2015
( H )Vs Ludogorets
View attachment 246985
Chernomorets 2-0 Ludogorets
Vodenichorov(26), Vodenicharov(Pen 77), Aleksandrov s.o(80)

What a performance, we welcomed League leaders to our patch and sent them on there way after a brilliant counter attacking performance. Its a fantastic way to end the first half of the season and will fill us with confidence for the new year.

League
View attachment 246983

So we finish the year in 4th Place, its been a wonderful start from on and i am confident we will be in the battle for European places right until the end of the season. 7 points between 2nd and 11th makes this season exciting and all to play for. It could come down to the closest of margins.

Player of the Month
View attachment 246981
Dimitar Vodenicharov
Apps:2
Goals:3
Assists:0
Motm:1
Av Rating:7.85

I am expecting a very busy new year when it comes to the transfer market, I am expecting interest in Vodenicharov and Pahlivanov, as well as i am looking to strengthen my squad for the run in. ​
 
Winter Break + February

As we entered the winter break i expected to be receiving bids for a few of my stars and also looked to bring a couple of players in, i was surprised with the lack on interest and only sold on Ivanov to Vereya on a free transfer.
With regards to transfers in, we Signed Sunday Mba on a free transfer to help boost our attacking midfielder, and a couple of young players to go into our under 21 squad.
View attachment 246542

21/02/2016
( A )Vs Beroe
View attachment 246541
Beroe 2-4 Chernomorets
Diaz(8), Ivanov(Pen 19), Andreev(21), Gadi(30), Diaz(39), Raynov(Pen 60)

We returned after the break with a confident win at Beroe, Sergio Diaz is really starting to look a player, and he is in wonderful form.

27/02/2016
( H )Vs Cska(Sofia)
View attachment 246537
Chernomorets 2=1 Cska(Sofia)
Diaz(37), Diaz(40), Rumenov(71)

Sergio Diaz is on fire! he is coming real good just at the right time. This result guarantee's us a top 4 finish at the end of the first league stage.

League
View attachment 246536

What a fantatsic start, Feeling that Europe could be a serious possibility for us.

Player of the month
View attachment 246531
Sergio Diaz
Apps:2
Goals:4
Assists:1
Motm:1
Av Rating:8.95​
 
March

05/03/2016
( A )Vs Levski
View attachment 246509
Levski 1-1 Chernomorets
Prochazka(52), Krastev(65)

A point from our final game of the regular season means we finish in 2nd. 10 tough games against the other guys in the top 6 remaining to see if we can secure Europe.

13/03/2016
( A )Vs Levski
View attachment 246507
Levski 2-1 Chernomorets
Misyak(51), Bozhinov(52), Genkov(70)

We begin where we finished last time out, Unfortunately this time Levski knicked a close and competitive game.

20/03/2016
( H )Vs Ludogorets
View attachment 246504
Chernmorets 1-4 Ludogorets
Sunny(14), Moti(Pen 26), Abalo(50), Atanasov(55), Dyakov(62)

Outclassed, Already this is looking a very tough ask, Hopefully we can turn this round and make the top 3.

League
View attachment 246501​
 
April

03/04/2016
( A )Vs Litex
View attachment 246467
Litex 3-1 Chernomorets
Raynov(14), Stevanovic(30), Stevanovic(36), Gil(84)

We are struggling big time, we have 3 home games coming up and we desperately need some wins, otherwise Europe wont be achieved.

10/04/2016
( H )Vs Slavia(Sofia)
View attachment 246466
Chernomorets 1-0 Slavia(Sofia)
Diaz(80)

Patience and Nerves to the max, Thank god Diaz grabbed that goal. could be massive come the end of the season.

17/04/2016
( H )Vs Botev(Plovdiv)
View attachment 246464
Chernomorets 3-0 Botev(Plovdiv)
Diaz(15), Pehlivanov(33), Andreev(49)

Fantastic win just when we needed it. Every 3 points gets us just that little closer.

24/04/2016
( H )Vs Levski
View attachment 246463
Chernomorets 2-3 Levski
Raynov(21), Gadzhev(25), Anete(53), Atanasov(66), Kolev s.o(67), Genkov(84)

Well fuming is not the word. I feel robbed, No way did we deserve to lose that, some poor decisions by the officials didn't help and now puts all the pressure back on us.

League
View attachment 246462

We go into May in 3rd place. I face Ludogorets and Litex in my next 2. This could go down to the final day, and right down to the wire.​
 
May

01/05/2016
( A )Vs Ludogorets
View attachment 246446
Ludogorets 2-1 Chernomorets
Misidjan(17), Moti(58), Diaz(73)

We put up an amazing fight against the best side in the division. on another day we could have finished by getting a point, we were unlucky but still confident on getting results in our final games.

08/05/2016
( H )Vs Litex
View attachment 246445
Chernomorets 0-0 Litex

Another tough game against one of the top sides, its a good point that we could on for the rest of the season.

15/05/2016
( A )Vs Slavia(Sofia)
View attachment 246444
Slavia(Sofia) 1-2 Chernomorets
Stoev(19), Vodenicharov(28), Kolev(Pen 69)

What a big win, It means the race for the final Europa league spot goes down to the final day. Its either us or Levski.

18/05/2016
( A )Vs Botev(Plovdiv)
View attachment 246443
Botev(Plovdiv) 1-4 Chernomorets
Penchev(7), Krastev(36), Mareque o.g(78), Diaz(86), Raynov(Pen 88)

We have done it, What a amazing day and what an amazing season. We need to Strengthen a lot but i am sure we can put up a good fight next season.

Final League Table
View attachment 246442​
 
Off Season

Well after a fantastic season, i was looking forward to having some time to chill out before i made some big changes to the first team squad.
I was honored to receive the BFA Manager of the Year award at the end of season awards, Sergio Diaz also made the BFA Team of the Season with his 13 goals in 27 Appearances.
Just a few days into My holiday i and my agent met Mitko Sabev and the rest of the boardroom, They congratulated me on our achievements over the past 2 years and also offered me a New contract until the end of the 2018/2019 Season, We agreed on the finer details and i signed a 2 year extension to my currant deal.
Returning to work i new this would be a big summer, and i wasn't wrong. I had been back just two days and the Bids had come Flying in, Maccabi Haifa matched the release Clause in the Contract of Martin Raynov and Kuban Krasendor agreed a fee of 200,000 with us for the transfer of Yani Pehlivanov. We also negotiated a mutual termination with out of favor striker Rumen Nikolov. Before i had left my office i had agreed a fee with Slavia(Sofia) for the transfer of Sunday Mba, The Cameroonian joined the Club in February but found first team opportunities limited.
View attachment 246197
With the squad looking bare i set out to bring in some fresh faces. I began quickly by Agreeing a deal with Cherno More for Defensive midfielder Alessane N'Doye, He will move to Chernomorets on a 3 year deal for 115,000 Euros.
View attachment 246195
I soon moved to add to that signing and quickly agreed deals for Beroe's Georgi Kostadinov and Slavia(Sofia)'s Angel Granchov, They both sign 3 year deals for fee's of 400,000 Euros and 550,000 Euros Respectively.
View attachment 246193View attachment 246192
I then turned my attention to the loan market, I soon engineered a deal to sign Daniel Benchev on Loan for the second time from Litex, he will provide good competition for Krastev.
View attachment 246190
I was then alerted to a young talent By football agent Nicolas Hernandez. His name was Claudio Gonzalez and he was a 16 year old striker from Chile. I offered him a two week trial and he impressed our staff enormously. I moved to sign him up on youth contract.
View attachment 246185
I completed my dealings with the free signings of Youngster Ondrej Blazek and 24 year old Atanas Dimitrov from Lokomotiv(Gorna).
As we have moved through the summer, We have started to get some interest for Sergio Diaz & Lazar Krastev, Have set a huge asking price as i don't want either man to leave. could be time to start digging my heals on the transfer front.

As we entered the middle of June it was time for the Europa League 1st qualifying round draw.
View attachment 246177

Shakhtar(Kaz) vs Chernomorets
1st Leg Shaktar Stadium(Kazakhstan), 30th June
2nd Leg Lazur Stadium(Bulgaria), 7th July

So we face a trip to Kazakhstan in the 1st qualifying round.

​
 
Pre-Season(Europa League)

30/06/2016
( A )Vs Shakhtar(Kaz)
View attachment 246172
Shakhtar(Kaz) 0-2 Chernomorets
Diaz(50), A.Antanasov(73)

We put in a solid performance in Kazakhstan, a 2-0 win seemed a fair result and now we should be able to finish the job at home next week.

07/07/2016
( H )Vs Shakhtar(Kaz)
View attachment 246171
Chernomorets 1-0 Shakhtar(Kaz)
A.Atanasov(89)

So we complete the job and safely negotiate ourselves into the 2nd qualifying round. I felt as the late goal was a welcome morale boost as we get ready for the 2nd round.

2nd Qualifying Round Draw

Shakhtar Soligorsk Vs Chernomorets
1st Leg, Stroitel Stadium(Belarus) 14th July
2nd Leg, Lazur Stadium 21st July


​
 
July

14/07/2016
Europa League 2nd Qualifying round 1st Leg
( A )Vs Shakhtar Soligorsk
View attachment 246113
Shakhtar Soligorsk 2-2 Chernomorets
Svetlichnyi(8), Atanasov(11), Zhdanovich(57), Loriot(89)

What a tough evening, Shakhtar showed how tough they were and we were very lucky to get out of Belarus with a draw that makes us favorites going into next weeks 2nd leg.

17/07/2016
( A )Vs Slavia(Sofia)
View attachment 246112
Slavia(Sofia) 3-2 Chernomorets
Silva(5), Silva(Pen 15), Stoev(55), Andreev s.o(72), Vodenicharov(85), Gonzalez(87)

We began our league season with a poor performance at Slavia, we were totally outplayed and only our 2 late goals gave the scoreline some respectability.

21/07/2016
Europa League 2nd Qualifying round 2nd Leg
( H )Vs Shakhtar Soligorsk
View attachment 246109
Chernomorets 4-0 Shakhtar Soligorsk
Vodenicharov(Pen 16), Diaz(44), Vodenicharov(53), Vodenicharov(59)

I was very impressed in our performance here, Vodenicharov was outstanding and has started the season brilliantly. I feel very lucky to still have him and hopefully the bigger clubs will stay away.

Europa League 3rd qualifying round draw
Newcastle(Eng) Vs Chernomorets
Wow, a monster of a qualifying round draw. would love to upset the odds on tyneside.

24/07/2016
( H )Vs Cherno More
View attachment 246107
Chernomorets 5-1 Cherno More
Kostadinov(13), Diaz(30), Mopuku o.g(37), Coureur(41), Vodenicharov(52), Diaz(90+1)

We cant stop scoring. We look hot in front of goal at the minute with Diaz and Vodenicharov firing, This was a pleasing win against a side who has invested very well over the summer.

28/07/2016
Europa League 3rd Round qualifying 1st Leg
( A )Vs Newcastle
View attachment 246103
Newcastle 0-3 Chernomorets
Granchov(34), Diaz(49), Benchev(76), Vangioni s.o(80), N'Diaye s.o(82)

Wow. The best result in the club's history. Its really shown how far we have come as a team and im so excited for the future. Sergio Diaz ran them wild as we picked them off on the counter, i have still go to be professional as Newcastle are capable of ruining the fun in the return leg next week.

31/07/2016
( A )Vs Marek
View attachment 246098
Marek 2-3 Chernomorets
Vodenicharov(15), Stefanov(20), Angelov(31), Vodenicharov(74), Stefanov(89)

We managed to just about hold on to a deserved win at Newcomers Marek, Vodenicharov continues his great start to the season, lets hope it continues.

League
View attachment 246096

We have had a good start, and hopefully we can start to push on in the next couple of months.​
 
August

04/08/2016
Europa League 3rd qualifying round 2nd Leg
( H )Vs Newcastle
View attachment 246031
Chernomorets 2-1 Newcastle(5-1 on AGG)
Loriot(4), Vodenicharov( 6), Perez(12)

What a fantastic result, beating a big club home and away is a massive achievement, and were now just one tie away from the Group stages.

Europa League Playoff Draw
Chernomorets Vs Austria Wien

07/08/2016
( H )Vs Litex
View attachment 246027
Chernomorets 1-3 Litex
Bedoya(1), Zlatinski(7), Loriot(30), Makriev(72)

Im disapointed with the result, we were caught sleeping in the first 10 minutes and we always chased the game afterwards, fair play to Litex they finished off on the counter.

14/08/2016
( H )Vs Burgas
View attachment 246026
Chernomorets 0-0 Burgas

Another frustrating afternoon, we totally dominated the game but just couldn't find our way through. It has been a frustrating start to the season.

18/08/2016
Europa League playoff
( H )Vs Austria Wien
View attachment 246025
Chernomorets 0-0 Austria Wien

So annoying, again the final product has let us down, It makes our job in Austria twice as tough next week.

21/08/2016
( A )Vs Ludogorets
View attachment 246022
Ludogorets 1-2 Chernomorets
Kostadinov(1), Moti(Pen 74), Sunny s.o(90+1), Vodenicharov(90+5)

What a win, smash and grab at it's finest, its a fantastic win against the big boys and the perfect warm up to the big europa league game.

25/08/2016
Europa league play off Leg 2
( A )Vs Austria Wien
View attachment 246019
Austria Wien 2-3 Chernomorets
Diaz(2), Kostadinov(35), Kreidi(55), A.Atanasov(76), Torghelle(78)

Much much better performance, we looked very comfortable all the way through the game and coasted into the Group stages of the Europa League

28/08/2016
( H )Vs Botev(Plovdiv)
View attachment 246015
Chernomorets 3-1 Botev(Plovdiv)
A.Atanasov(3), Granchov(33), Loriot(59), Jordanov(90)

We finished the month with a impressive win against the league leaders, its a good way to finish after struggling early on.

League
View attachment 246007

After struggling early we have managed to move up to 4th and be involved in the leading pack. Hopefully we can continue this good form next month.

View attachment 246002
Europa League Group C
Everton
Cska Moscow
Slovan Liberec
Chernomorets

We have been given a tough group in the Europa League. I am looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we can get some positive results.​
 
September

We began September in a positive frame of mind. We were starting to hit a good run of form and we began to look forward to being part of the Europa League group stages for the first time in the club's History. We begin our Journey with a home game against Slovan Liberec, Before we get there we have a tough trip to Cska(Sofia).
We began the game well and deservedly took the lead through Loriot after just 7 minutes, however this was short lived as Marquinhos leveled after a quarter of an hour, we however continued to look the better the side, that was until the 54th minute when against the run of play Nabil Jaadi sucker punched us to give Cska the lead. We then pushed on and started to apply pressure, we then got our reward thanks to a 72nd minute penalty from Todor Kolev. We continued to apply the pressure and despite a few half chances we were unable to find a way through as the match finished 2-2.
View attachment 245815
So after a tough 90 minutes we looked forward to our first and maybe biggest game of the group stages, Slovan Liberec where and experienced European side and were not to be underestimated, but i knew that we really need a positive result if we were to look to qualify from this group. As the game began we started a slight nervously, the game was end to end with both side looking capable, But slovan's Experience showed as they took the lead after 20 minutes, There main man Stanislav Ondrejka with the goal. As the time ticked away i could feel the frustration from the crowd, the guys were nervous and struggling to find the end product because of it, i made a few changes to try and mix it up but unfortunately we couldn't find a way through, A very tough and disappointing defeat to start our campaign.
View attachment 245812
The guys were deflated the next day, i could tell the confidence was short and they needed a lift, we had a meeting to discuss the game and i made sure i was there to tell the guys how on another night it would be different, and how there was still 5 cup finals to go in the group, but i knew i needed the guys ready, we were welcoming Levski to The lazur, and there an old enemy that we always have tight games with. I asked the guys for a reaction and they started brilliantly, full of energy and commitment, and we finally got our rewards just short of the half hour mark, Daniel Benchev who had come into the side, latched on to a through ball from Sergio Diaz to give us a deserved lead, However again we fell asleep and within 5 minutes it was 1-1, Chris Gadi leveling for the visitors. After the break we began with lots of energy, we looked lively and in control until the 65th minute, Gadi had done it again, picked us off on the counter to put Levski in front, We had to then push some more men forward, we didn't deserve to be behind, and boom.... penalty to Levski, once again we had be caught on the counter, Gadi stepped up and completed his hat trick, i could see that had hurt, but i knew this would happen if we were not 100% every week, i need to pick the ads up, and fast.
View attachment 245811
After a tough couple of weeks we had the Bulgarian cup 1st round, we were away to B side Haskovo, I chose to make a couple of changes to freshen up the starting 11, and it looked to have paid dividend, as we started positively and got on the front foot, after a good first half we got our reward right at the end of it, an in swinging corner put into his own net by Hristo Markov to give us a deserved 1-0 lead at half time. As we eased into the second half we got into our swing early and looked like getting our second goal sooner rather than later, coming close on two occasions. That was until the 71st minute, after almost complete domination out of nothing Haskovo were level, Petkov helping himself to the equalizer to take the game into extra time. No team could find a winner so we limped into a penalty shootout, Goal after Goal the scores soon read 7-7, Our eighth penalty was handed to Aleksander Aleksandrov, he sent the keeper the wrong way only to see the ball bounce of the post and stay out, It was left to Akalski to run up and win the shootout for the minnows, I looked at our side, we looked dejected, lacking confidence.... i had never seen the guys look like this before.
View attachment 245807
As we prepared for our 5th game in 13 days i felt that i needed the guys to get back to basics, we were 7th in the league but only a couple of wins of potentially being top, so it certainly wasn't a panic at the club. I got the guys together and trained the basics, i had to put some confidence into the guys, i new if we did the basics right, the results will come. We traveled to Lokomotiv(Plovdiv), one of the in from sides in the league, i was grateful to my staff who had done a great job and the guys looked refreshed and ready to go. We started like a rocket, completely 1 way traffic, the basics were working and we looked a danger every time we attacked, we went in at half time 0-0 but surely it wasn't going to be long before we got in front. As the minutes ticked away, we kept on pushing and pushing, we had 80 minutes on the clock and the home side hadn't even had a shot on goal, just as we looked to have fell short we got the bit of luck we deserved, a scramble 18 yards our fell to Anton Atanasov who smashed the ball into the top corner, the relief of the players and staff were clear to see, we had deserved some luck after the month we have had, I could now prepare the guys to our final game of the month, an away trip to Everton in the Europa League.
View attachment 245801
As we got into England, i could feel this trip was more about optimism than expectation, we knew Everton would be playing there big boys and that we had to be outstanding to get anything from the game. Unfortunately Everton were up for this and blew us away straight away, Steven Naismith scoring twice in the first 7 minutes to give us a massive hill to climb, As we settled into the game we looked a bit more of a match with the premier league giants, we managed to compete with them until the 76th minute when Romalu Lukaku put the game to bed with a bullet header. despite the defeat i was proud of the effort from the lads, we can now hopefully turn it on against Cska Moscow to give us a small chance of qualification.
View attachment 245795
So after a poor month for the team, we still manage to find ourselves fourth in the league, I really need my strikers to start finding the net next month to help us start winning again.
View attachment 245794​
 
October
After our struggles of September i was kean to use the international break to let some of the guys have a rest, its been a long season and with quite a small squad it has caught up with us, After letting the lads know the pans i asked for 110% in our final league game for a couple of weeks, We were hosting Lokomotiv(Sofia) and we needed the 3 points.
I felt our preparation had gone well, the guys looked up for it, i knew it was because they knew a rest was coming, but it was nice to see some happy faces, We started as if we were in a rush, and within 5 minutes we had our chance, Krastev running into the box before being tripped. Georgi Kostadinov stepped up and coolly put us in front, a lot of the pressure had gone and we looked to playing with swagger, and just after the 20th minute we had a second, a deep cross into the area found Ivan stoyanov and the full back finished smartly from a tight angle, we then flew through the gears and just 2 minutes later we had another penalty, Kostadinov sending the keeper the wrong way for a 3-0 lead after 25 minutes. Lokomotiv were struggling to keep up with us, we looked dangerous every time we approached there goal, our constant onslaught led to a fourth before half time, Atanasov turning and striking into the corner to give us a massive half time lead. We took our foot off the gas during the second half as we knew the job was done, due to that, Lokomotiv was to get a consolation, with a 74th minute penalty from Helton Dos Reis. Overall we had looked good, and hopefully with a few home games this month, could get some positive results.
View attachment 245497
After a couple of weeks rest we returned to action with a home game against Slavia(Sofia), the lads looked refreshed and ready for the challenge, it was nice to see i admit.
We started the game positively, with some sharp, quick passing, we didn't panic, the guys looked in control and almost knew it was coming. Eventually it paid off, Atanasov keeping his good run going with a fine goal 6 minutes before the break. We put the game to bed early in the second half as Loriot helped himself to the sides second goal, We then put the gloss on it when Atanasov helped himself to his second and the teams third to record a comfortable victory.
View attachment 245495
Next up was massive Europa League game in Moscow, Both sides need the points as Cska had only picked up 1 from there opening 2 games and we were yet to get off the mark, I knew this would be difficult for our lads, but if anyone could pull it off, it was us.
As we chased the miracle we were gifted a wonderful start, Just 5 minutes on the clock and we took the lead, full back Stoyanov popping up with the massive goal to get us back in this group. Unfortunately it looked to have angered the Russians, They startedto power towards our goal, with us sitting back letting them onto us, and after 28 minutes they had there reward, Milanov scoring a peach from 18 yards, Suddenly we were at 9's and 10's, Raul Jiminez and then 4 minutes later Lukasz Teodorczyk scoring to completely turn the game on its head and leave us shell shocked. We tried to take advantage in the second half but CSKA looked solid, as we pushed forward we were caught on the counter as Teodorczyk helped himself to another, we did however get a second goal towards the end thanks to substitute Vodenicharov, i was proud of the lads despite the result, and almost means we have to beat Moscow in the return game next week to have any chance of qualifying for the knock out stages,
View attachment 245492
We returned home to an away trip to Cherno More, The side had invested well during the summer but had yet to find any form in the league and hovered just outside the relegation zone, The game itself didn't really live up to expectations, a very sloppy affair with not many chances, The key moment happened in the 37th minute, a poor cross into the box took a deflect off our centre half and into the path of Mapuku, he didn't make any mistake and put us behind, We looked to push on in the second half but we struggled to get anything going when attacking and unfortunately could not find any chances to get level, it was a disappointing way to be defeated, and once again showed our lack of class when playing away from home.
View attachment 245491
We finished the month knowing that we needed a good response, we were hosting bottom of the League Marek, they hadn't won all season and i was expecting a good performance and 3 points.
I made a couple of changes to my forward line and set up the team to play attacking, we did not disappoint. within 5 minutes we were ahead, Sergio Diaz ending his 16 hour goal drought by nicking in at the front post to give us the lead. He was at it again on the 20 minute mark, Superbly volleying a second from 18 yards to give us a comfortable lead. Despite dominating it took until the last 10 minutes to finish the game, Vodenicharov and substitute Krastev giving the scoreline a bit of gloss.
View attachment 245490
Apart from our away defeat we end the month with 3 home wins, We sit in 3rd in the league currently and are looking good for a top 6 finish and then a push for European football,
View attachment 245488
Europe on the other hand seems a tough task, with 3 defeats from 3 were looking down the barrel and leaving us with no option but to beat Cska Moscow if we want to qualify, If we manage o do that we give ourselves a chance with a trip to Liberec and a home game against Everton to come.
View attachment 245487


​
 
November

After a disappointing month last time out we had to improve and push on towards the top of the table, we began with hosting Cska Moscow in the europa league, we needed to pick up points here to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, After a even first 20 minutes both sides looked nervy, it was cska to striker first, Again Teodorczyk came back to haunt us, the guys replied brilliantly and we were deservedly level after 34 minutes through a header from Anton Atanasov. The second half was a end to end affair with both teams pushing for the winner, unfortunately neither team could find the goal to win it. 1-1 gave us our first point of the group and kept our slim hopes of qualifying going.
View attachment 245154
We returned home to a tough away game at Litex, one of our challengers for the top 3. We began the game very well, keeping good possession. despite this just before the break Stevanovic popped up from 15 yards to head litex in front. The second half began and we were on the front foot from moment number one, we continued to press forward and finally got our reward on 72 minutes through Dimitar Vodenicharov, we continued our dominance and pushed for the winner, however we couldn't find one and had to settle for a hard earned point.
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We headed into the international break feeling good, our performances were improving and our forwards were starting to get among the goals. We returned for the break with a trip to local club Burgas, Who were struggling towards to foot of the table. We soon got into our stride and on to the front foot, Unfortunately we couldn't get the breakthrough in the first half. I sat the guys down at half time and reminded them the first goal would be key, if we could get it then we could easily end up with 2 or 3, and i wasn't wrong. Just 2 minutes into the second half Diaz was fouled and we had a spot kick, Vodenicharov stepped up and scored to give us the lead, a quarter of an hour later we had a second, atanasov helped himself to a goal and a comfortable 2-0 lead. After we had scored the first goal earlier i gave young striker Claudio Gonzalez the chance to get some game time, after a quite 30 minutes he burst into life, Firstly helping himself to a tap in on 79 minutes to give us a 3-0 lead and then finishing nicely 3 minutes later to give us a fourth goal. But we wasn't done there, on 84 minutes we had been given a second penalty, This time Gonzalez stepped up and completed his first professional hat trick to give us a 5-0 win and 3 much needed points.
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We then traveled to the czech republic to play Slovan Liberec, we looked confident and knowing we need 3 points to give us any chance of making the knockout rounds, i felt this was our best chance of pulling off a miracle.
We came running out of the blocks, and got our reward on 9 minutes, 17 year old wonderkid Lazar Krastev scoring the goal that gave us a big chance in this group, As the game went on we started to get deeper and deeper, we started to play on the counter attack, and on 51 minutes the plan had worked, Catching them out 4 against 3, a deep cross from full back Stoyanov was headed into the far corner from Vodenicharov to give us a 2-0 lead on the night and to relight the flame in the group. As we looked to hold on with 20 minutes to go we were undone, Slama scoring at the near post to give us a nervy final 20 minutes. We defended well and managed to hold on for a famous victory to keep our Europa league hopes alive, Cska picked up a point in England to leave the group close. We have to beat Everton in our final game and hope Cska don't win there game against Liberec.
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Our final game of the month was us hosting defending League champions Ludogorets, High on confidence from our midweek win we picked up where we left off, a dubious call from the referee handed us a eighth minute penalty, which Vodenicharov took advantage to give us the lead. Back came ludogorets, and after an hour they got there reward, Beciraj stealing in at the front post to level it up, however it was only level for 3 minutes, Vodenicharov heading his 10th league goal of the season to give us the lead, and then he completed his hat trick just 4 minutes later, to give us a 3-1 win and another massive 3 points.
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So we end the month in a fantastic position in the League, 2nd place and just one point behind Ludogorets, With 5 games to go, i should be involved in the top 6, to fight it out for the European places.
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December

As we approached the winter break we wanted to make sure we went into it on top form, We begin the move with the massive Europa League game against Everton. We have to win to have any chance of making the Knockout stages, and hope results elsewhere go our way.
So after months of qualifiers and Group games it came down to this, a Everton side containing the likes of Lukaku, Baines and Jagielka. As the whistle sounded there was a huge roar from the home support, and just 65 seconds in that roar turned into absolute pandemonium. After a scrappy corner Angel Granchov popped up to head us into a 1-0 lead and the perfect start. Both team looked dangerous when going forward and we were lucky to be ahead at the break as Aiden Mcgeady hit the bar with a thunderous attempt. As the second half got going the word from Moscow was that they had taken a 2-0 Lead against Liberec, Which meant we were out anyway, and on the 75th minute, we had been heartbroken, Aiden McGeady hurting us by leveling the game with 15 minutes to go, and then 4 minutes later, Steven Naismith finishing us with a brilliant finish from 20 yards. Cska went on to win 4-0 and go on to join Everton in the Group stages.
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In our last away day before the winter break we traveled to 3rd place Botev(Plovdiv), We domiated the game throughout, Botev struggled to get into the game and we deserved the lead on 26 minutes, Vodenicharov scoring to give us a half time lead. We began the second half on the same terms, Botev had struggled for form and we looked as though we could blow any side away, and when we got our 2nd goal through Vodenicharov on 66 minutes the game was over. It was made better when Ludogorets got beat which means for the first time during my management we were top of the league.
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Our final game was a home game against CSKA(Sofia), We started very well and looked dangerous going forward, Until we were caught out on the counter attack and Toni silva put the Visitors ahead after 13 minutes. We continued to press and found some inspiration through Sergio Diaz with 2 goals in 2 minutes to turn the game around, As we crept towards the break Cska were given a penalty, a dubious decision that they took advantage of to level the scores, but we had a 5th first half goal, Sergio Diaz heading a third for his first half hat trick. It took us until the 66th minute to finish our opponents, The in form Vodenicharov helping himself to his 14th league goal of the season.
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So we enter the winter break on top of the Bulgarian A group, we have a 2 point lead on Ludogorets and most importantly a gap of 7 points to 4th place Levski.
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Hopefully over the winter we can keep hold of Diaz, Krastev and Vodenicharov, but i am expecting Bids for all 3 players.​
 
Winter Break

We went into the winter break hoping that would still have a brilliant squad come the end of it. I was keen to move soon youngsters out on loan as i prepared for the next youth intake.
It didn't take long before the interest had started, Within the first week, Vilen Gegamyan, Rostislav Petrov & Andon Kolev going out on loan to get some first team football. As the week ended i began Talks with Huddersfield for the transfer of Dimitar Vodenicharov. After some Negotiation, we agreed on a 1.2 Million Euro price which includes a 30% of next sale clause.
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We moved quickly to replace the hole left by our top scorer, We moved to sign Iliya Dimitrov on loan from Dinamo Kiev, The 20 year old moves for the rest of the season. Hopefully he can come up with the goals to lead us into Europe.
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A week or so later, I managed to move another youngster, Vasil Vesilinov on loan to Sozopol.
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At the end of January i began talks with AS Nancy over the transfer of Vice Captain Ivan Stoyanov. We agreed a deal of 800,000 Euros for the Full back who signed a 3 1/2 year deal.
In early February we agreed to Sign central midfielder Facundo Bertoglio on a 3 year deal from Dinamo Kyiv. he will join us at the end of the season.
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End of Season
We returned to action with a tough away game at Levski, New signing Iliya Dimitrov made his first start for the club. From the first minute we were on the back foot, Gadi soon opened the scoring after 7 minutes, then just 4 minutes later they had a second as Anete scored a penalty for the hosts. If the half couldn't get worse we were 3-0 down after 26 minutes, Anete getting his second of the afternoon. We were poor throughout and didn't make anything happen in the second half as Levski ran home comfortable winners.
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After the disappointing start after the winter break, we had a chance to put it right by hosting Lokomotiv(Plovdiv), It took 19 minutes before Iliya Dimitrov got off the mark for the club by putting us 1-0 ahead, the game then took a twist when Angel Granchov was given his marching orders after a dangerous lunge on 29 minutes, The guys then rallied round and began to play good football and after 34 minutes we were awarded a penalty, Kostadinov stepped up and gave us a cushion at half time. 5 minutes into the second half the visitors gave themselves a lifeline, Dyulgerov heading home from a well worked set piece, just 8 minutes later we had our 2 goal gap back thanks to Iliya Dimitrov and then putting the game to bed thanks to a fortunate own goal to give us a 4-1 lead. There was time for Lokomotiv to get a second, although it was too little, too late for them.
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In our final game of the regular season we visited Lokomotiv(Sofia), We began well and soon romped into an early 2-0 lead, Andreev and Diaz getting the goals, and after 26 minutes we grabbed a third thanks to a second from the in form Sergio Diaz. We put the game to bed on the 44th minute, Daniel Andreev getting his second goal and our 4th. During the second half we controlled without adding to the scoreline, and ran out comfortable winners, We finish top of the league and look good for a European spot.
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So we end the regular season on top of the league, its a fantastic result for the side and hopefully we can keep infront of Ludogorets, it will be tough but champions league football would be amazing.
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March

We start the run in with a huge home game agaisnt Ludogorets, This could possibly be a title decider. We started the game well and looked to be on the front foot, Just 12 minutes in and we got the opener, Loriot scoring a massive goal to put us ahead at the break. We looked comfrotable until the 75th minute when the game changed completely, Marcelinho scoring totally against the run of the play to level it up, and then 4 minutes later the ultimate kick in the nuts when tonev put the visitors in front. the goal sparked a off the ball incident where Granchov was sent off for a second booking, Galabinv then rubbed salt in the wounds with a third. I lost my marbles for the first time, we had been absolutely done there, robbed blind in a game we had won.
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Next came Levski away, our bogey team, a place we always seem to struggle, and as usual it took 98 seconds for the opening goal, Udoji heading in after we fell asleep at a corner and then Mitsanski adding a second after 11 minutes, i could see it all going wrong, we have bottled it, a chance for our first ever championship and were gonna bottle it, Before the break we did however manage to pull one back through Dimitrov. In the second half we just camped in Levski's half, pressing and pressing but we could not find a way through, even with 10 minutes left and Levski being down to 10 men we just couldn't find the goal we needed.
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I feel devastated, we should have had 4 points out of those games and we have ended up with nothing, We need to April without dropping many points if we are to win this league. I have got a feeling ill be looking back on this month come the end of the season. We remain top for now as Ludogorets have a game in hand.
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April

We began April knowing that for us to be in the Title hunt, we had to pick up points in every game. This is the best chance the club has ever had of picking up a major trophy and Champions League football.
We began our month with a home game against Slavia(Sofia), Be began well and remained on the front foot throughout the game, it did however take 58 minutes for the opener, Sergio Diaz who always seems to pop up when we need him to scoring a wonderful 20 yard effort, 7 minutes later we gave our self some comfort, Kostadinov adding the second goal to give us a easy 3 points.
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A week later we traveled to Botev(Plovdiv), The began wing a bang and we had 4 goals inside the first 35 minutes, Dimitrov giving us the early lead before Gamakov leveling the game up after 18 minutes. We were ahead for the second time on 29 minutes thanks to Diaz and Botev again squared the game on 32 minutes with a goal from Baltanov. There was still time for the winner in the second half and that man Sergio Diaz once again come up with the goods on 66 minutes to give us a massive 3 points.
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After our great start to the month we looked to continue by hosting Cska(Sofia). After quite a tame and evenly matched game, it burst into life in the last 20 minutes, Sergio Diaz seemed to have come to the rescue for us again with a great finish on 71 minutes only for Cska to deliver a big blow by winning a penalty in the 79th month, Dolapchiev scoring to give Cska a point.
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We have took 7 points from 9 this month and were now at the business end. 2 top of the table clashes which could help decide the destination of the title. We begin with a humongous trip to Ludogorets,
We knew it would be a tough battle and we looked up for the fight, both teams looked as though they would cancel eachother out, as the game got towards the last few moments it looked as both teams took a point and it ended 0-0
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We ended the month with a home game against Levski, We hadn't beaten them in the last 5 meetings between us although we had to win really to have any chance of the Title.
The guys were prepared and looked focus on the job ahead, i knew one mistake could cost us dearly, But one thing was for sure i could never had imagined what i was about to see during the 90 minutes, as the clocked ticked 24 minutes the Lads suddenly motored through the gears and showed the country we were the real deal, Dimitrov opening the scoring to give us a massive lead, before 3 goals in 3 minutes sent us into a wonderland, Loriet, Kostadinov and Dimitrov's second giving us a 4-0 half time lead to leave Levski completely shell shocked. We returned after the break and completely killed the game, Levski couldn't get near us, we kept the ball for long periods and ran Levski into the ground, we did however have time to put the gloss on one of the teams best ever performances, Dimitrov scoring his third and our 5th of the afternoon. It was a rout.
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As we came off after our amazing win, News broke that Ludogorets had been beaten at Cska(Sofia) which means with 3 games to go, we have a one point lead in the title race, we have guaranteed European football and with Ludogorets to play Levski there is a massive chance of us winning this division.
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May

So the run in had boiled down to 3 games, we currently had a one point lead over Ludogorets and were potentially 3 wins away from Champions League Football.
Our fist game is a trip to Slavia(Sofia), we knew that Levski and Ludogorets were fighting it out today and a win would be massive. We started the game positively, and our nerves were settled after 17 minutes, Dimitrov heading us into the lead and just before the break we got our second through Kostadinov. Youngster Krastev scored our third goal on 51 minutes to complete a standard Victory. We came off to even better news that Levski had beaten Ludogorets 2-0. That meant we were 4 points clear, and just need one more victory to win the League.
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We hosted Botev(Plovdiv) in our final home game of the season. Knowing we needed 3 points to lift the Title the boys were excited and nervous at the same time, We started positively and got our reward after 20 minutes thanks to the red hot Dimitrov. we continued to command and press forward looking for the second goal, But were stunned in the 80th minute, Botev awarded a pebnalty and Prychynenko scoring to frustrate us and see us drop 2 points. Levski had also drew so they couldnt catch us and then it was left to Ludogorets...
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All the guys gathered to watch the game, we watched Lugorets dominate and go close on many occasions, as the minutes passed the more excited we got, as the game entered added on time we could barely watch, and as the referee blew for full time the room erupted. There was tears and screaming and celbrating, we had done it. We had won the Bulgarian title and we were about to play in the Champions League. what an amazing feeling!
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Our final league game was away against Cska(Sofia). We led early thanks Dimitrov and controlled the first half. Early on in the second half Lazur Krastev scored our 2nd to give us a cushion, we then finished off a fantastic season with a third goal, Dimitrov scoring his 11th league goal in 13 Appearances since moving on loan.
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So we finish top of league and win the title by 5 Points, and will know play in the champions league for the first time in our history.
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