Smuda walks out on Widzew

Widzew Lódz coach Franciszek Smuda has resigned after just a few months in charge.

Short spell
Smuda took over from Dariusz Wdowczyk just one day before the start of the current Polish season, and has stepped down at the start of the winter break with his side lying in 15th place in the 16-team Ekstraklasa with just 12 points.

Rumours denied
No official reason has been given for the coach's decision although rumours around the club suggest that a financial crisis had led the club to ask the coach to take a cut in wages. Chairman of the Widzew board Andrzej Pawelec denied that financial problems were at the heart of Smuda's decision, saying: "Coach Smuda resigned, but not for financial reasons."

Nemec in command
Widzew have hired 45-year-old Czech coach Petr Nemec, who was in charge of relegated Slask Wroclaw for a few months last season. "Mr Nemec will work for our club in the spring," Pawelec said. "But the name of his assistant is as yet unknown."