Nawałka takes over as Poland coach

Adam Nawałka will lead Poland into UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying after the veteran of the 1978 FIFA World Cup campaign was named as Waldemar Fornalik's replacement.

The 56-year-old's former international team-mate, Polish Football Federation (PZPN) president Zbigniew Boniek, is certain the association has made the right move by bringing in the Górnik Zabrze coach, explaining: "We are sure we have made the right choice. The main goal of new coach will be to qualify for the finals of UEFA EURO 2016." Nawałka will formally take charge on 1 November, with his Górnik side top of the Polish table after 13 games.

"I know it is not an easy job, but I am fully prepared for this challenge," said the new coach. "My team will be open to any player with a Polish passport who is ready to give blood, sweat and tears for Poland. I will be giving myself over totally to the national team. I am very optimistic about this new challenge. Every coach dreams about working with their national team."

A midfielder, Nawałka made his name during an 11-year spell as a player with Wisła Kraków, though injuries were to stop him fulfilling his potential; tellingly, he was just 23 when he made the last of his 34 international appearances. As a coach, he led his local side Świt Krzeszowice before spells in charge of Wisła, Zagłębie Lubin, Jagiellonia Białystok, GKS Katowice and Górnik Zabrze, among others.

Nawałka will kick off his spell as Poland coach with a friendly game against Slovakia in Wroclaw on 15 November, and his side will take on the Republic of Ireland in Poznan four days later.