No peace for ambitious Pyunik

New faces
Not since 14 July has Armenia seen top-flight football, but there has nonetheless been plenty of action in the transfer market with champions FC Pyunik chief among those clubs to have strengthened their squad. Mauro Guevgeozian Cre made his debut during Pyunik's 0-0 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first round tie at Derry City FC although only lasted a half at Brandywell. Uruguayan goalkeeper Ignacio López, however, looks destined to see out the season in Armenia while fellow South Americans Jorge Luis Luna and Guillermo Faria are also hoping to win contracts after trial spells with the league leaders.

Foreign trialists
A series of disappointing performances has forced FC Banants to remould their squad. Ashot Grigoryan and Artak Oseyan have moved on, while Andrej Burdian has left for Ukraine, but Banants did at least make a promising start to their UEFA Cup campaign with a 1-1 first qualifying draw against BSC Young Boys. Banants have invited Czech defender Jan Jelínek, Ugandan forward Noa Kasule, Brazilian midfielder Edmar Sigeira and Ukrainian goalkeeper Dmitry Pivovarenko on loan in the hope that European progress will prove a strong enough incentive to convince them to stay.

Sukiasyan dismissal
After five coaching changes in the opening stages of the season it seemed that the dust had settled on dismissals but prominent Armenian coach Varuzhan Sukiasyan has become victim No6 after being relieved of his duties by FC Ararat Yerevan. Sukiasyan has been replaced by Serbian coach Dušan Mijić, who will be assisted, at least initially, by Ashot Kirakosyan and Vahan Nikolyan.