Blokhin takes Ukraine reins

New man
FFU president Grigory Surkis told a press conference in Kiev today that the 50-year-old Blokhin - winner of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Super Cup and European Footballer of the Year in 1975 - has been chosen to lead the national team after Buryak failed to take Ukraine to the finals of UEFA EURO 2004™, finishing behind Spain and Greece in their qualifying group.

Soviet legend
The highest scorer in the history of the Soviet Union with 211 goals in 431 league games, Blokhin won seven Soviet titles, five Soviet cups and was Soviet player of the year three times in a terrific playing career with FC Dynamo Kyiv which lasted from 1972-87. The striker also holds the appearance record for the Soviet national team, scoring 47 goals in 112 appearances.

Ukrainian hero
After retiring from professional football, Blokhin moved on to Austria and then Greece where he worked as a coach at Olympiacos CFP, FC PAOK, Iraklis FC and AEK Athens FC. A living legend in Ukraine, more recently Blokhin was elected as a member of parliament.

First task
It had been suggested that Ukraine might appoint a foreign coach to replace Buryak, but Blokhin is likely to prove a popular choice. His first task in his new position will be to lead Ukraine in a friendly game against F.Y.R. Macedonia on 11 October.