Stevanovic leaves Zeleznik

Yugoslavian first division side FK Zeleznik have parted company with coach Goran Stevanovic following a string of disappointing performances.

'Very hard decision'
Zeleznik president Dragan Bulic said he had taken the decision to fire Stevanovic after results and the atmosphere at the club both deteriorated. Bulic said: "We have not had good results in the last few weeks, and have also lost the good atmosphere within the team. I must change something and I took this very hard decision. Stevanovic is a good worker, but something went wrong."

Unimpressive performances
Zeleznik crashed out of Yugoslavian Cup semi-finals after succumbing 3-2 at home to FK Sartid, prompting fans' demands for Stevanovic to resign. In the league, Zeleznik have slipped to seventh place after a series of unimpressive performances. Stevanovic, however, insisted he would leave with his head held high. "This is the best thing I can do now - to leave with a clear heart," he said.

Nikolic steps in
This is the second coaching change made by Zeleznik this season, Goran Milojevic having previously resigned. Saša Nikolic, an assistant under Stevanovic, has taken temporary charge of the team, but Bulic has made it clear that he is looking outside the club for a new coach - mentioning FK Zeta coach Nikola Rakojevic as a possible replacement.