Former Malta coach takes over at Hamrun
Thursday, October 9, 2003
Article summary
Bulgarian coach Guentcho Dobrev is the new man in charge of Maltese strugglers Hamrun Spartans FC.
Article body
Curmi departure
The Bulgarian replaces Patrick Curmi, who resigned recently after a disappointing start to the season including five consecutive defeats. Before arriving in Malta in 1983, Dobrev was technical director for youth development at the Bulgarian Football Union. He also trained Bulgaria's Under-16 and Under-18 sides and served as assistant coach of the country's Olympic team.
International record
He took over as Malta coach in May 1984, a post he held until December 1987. Under his guidance Malta played 22 matches, winning once, drawing on another four occasions and losing 17 times. He also enjoyed stints at club level with Mosta FC and Sliema Wanderers FC.
Grassroots coaching
For the past two years Dobrev had been involved in coaching at grassroots level on the island, working at the Buzu football school run by former Maltese international Carmel Busuttil. His immediate task is to revive Hamrun's fortunes - the club are anchored at the bottom of the Premier League with only one point from six games.
