Simoni in for Nikodimov at CSKA

Negotiations in progress
Announcing Simoni's likely arrival, CSKA owner Vasil Bozhkov said that negotiations with the Italian were currently in progress and that he would "most probably be the next one to take over" Bulgaria's most successful club. Bozhkov added that "the final decision" would come on Friday.

Third spell at the club
In the last two months, CSKA have exited the UEFA Cup against Milan AC and, on the domestic front, have struggled to win matches at home. Nikodimov only returned to commence a third spell in charge of the club in the summer, replacing another Italian, Enrico Catuzzi. He has been offered the opportunity to move into a consultancy role but looks certain to decline.

'Horrendous' atmosphere
Nikodimov recently described the atmosphere he was working in at CSKA as "horrendous" and said he felt "betrayed". The day before his dismissal, CSKA's players expressed support for their coach, insisting that the team's bad run was a result of their own failings rather than the mistakes of their manager.

Victory over Liverpool
CSKA technical director Stoine Manolov and assistant coach Krasimir Bezinski followed Nikodimov out of the club. In his previous spells at the club, Nikodimov inspired CSKA to two of the greatest moments in their history: their victory over Liverpool FC en route to the European Champion Clubs' Cup semi-final in 1982 and a UEFA Cup win over Parma AC in 1991.

Spell in Cyprus
Nikodimov's coaching CV also includes spells at Cypriot club Omonia FC, during the 1999/2000 season, and Bulgaria's FC Velbazhd.