Hizo returns to Ceahlaul

A day after Gheorghe Poenaru became the 13th coach to leave a Romanian team this season, FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt have named his successor as Viorel Hizo. The 55-year-old returns to the club two years after quitting in a dispute over the substitution of a player.

Four-month deal
Hizo has signed a four-month contract, with the option to extend at the end of the season if Ceahlaul finish in the top 12, and thereby avoid both relegation and the relegation play-offs. At present, they lie joint 12th with CF Sportul Studentesc.

Substitute dispute
A legendary disciplinarian, Hizo left Ceahlaul in 2001 after club president Gheorghe Stefan protested against his decision to substitute striker Florin Axinia in an UEFA Intertoto Cup first-round game against JK Trans Narva of Estonia.

Legal wrangle
Stefan, who was then on the executive committee of the Romanian Football Federation, attempted to suspend Hizo, who soon took charge at FC Rapid Bucuresti, and the two pursued a lengthy battle through the courts.

A mistake
All that, though, now seems to be behind them. "During my life I have made several mistakes,” said Stefan.  “One of them was the moment when I parted company with Hizo. There was a lack of communication.”

'A new life'
Hizo, who took Ceahlaul to fourth in the league, was in equally conciliatory mood. "In life sometimes you must forget what happened,” he added. “There was a lack of communication between me and Mr Stefan. Now we start a new way, a new life.”