Litex land successful Shum
Monday, November 15, 2004
Article summary
Itzhak Shum, who won the 2003/04 Greek double with Panathinaikos FC, has become PFC Litex Lovech coach.
Article body
Excellent spell
The 56-year-old Israeli enhanced his reputation with an excellent spell at Panathinaikos FC which came to an acrimonious end in October. Shum, who had led the Athenians to the Greek double, including their first title in eight years, was reported to have differences with Panathinaikos team manager Velimir Zajec on a number of issues.
No hope
Shum will now turn his hand to Bulgarian football with Litex in fifth position, 13 points behind the leaders PFC CSKA Sofia after 13 games. The Lovech-based side have no real hope of silverware this season after being eliminated from the UEFA Cup by Grazer AK and the Bulgarian Cup.
Looking forward
"I've signed a one-and-a-half year contract," said Shum. "We have to work hard this season and then next year go for the title. I believe we will put a very good squad together." Both the new coach and Litex president Grisha Ganchev said there will be wholesale changes to the playing and technical staff.
Replaces Mladenov
Shum, who joined Panathinaikos in June 2003 after a successful period in charge of Maccabi Haifa FC, replaces Stoicho Mladenov. The former Bulgaria coach was sacked two weeks ago.
