Ards FC

 

Ards FC – Club Profile

• Full Name: Ards Football Club

• Founded: 1900

• Location: Newtownards (currently based in Bangor), Northern Ireland

• Stadium: Clandeboye Park (shared with Bangor FC)

• Capacity: ~2,000

• Club Colors: Red & Blue

• Nickname: The Red & Blues

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History

Ards FC was founded in 1900 in Newtownards and has long been one of the more historic football clubs in Northern Ireland. The club enjoyed success particularly from the 1950s to the 1990s, including major domestic trophies and memorable European appearances.

In 1998, Ards lost their traditional home ground, Castlereagh Park, and have since played in several temporary locations before settling at Clandeboye Park in Bangor.

Despite ups and downs, Ards remain a respected and traditional club in Northern Irish football.

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Honours

Domestic Trophies

• Irish Cup:
  Winners (1) – 1957–58

• Irish League Cup:
  Winners (1) – 1994–95

• County Antrim Shield:
  Winners (3) – 1951–52, 1993–94, 1994–95

• Gold Cup:
  Winners (1) – 1973–74

• Ulster Cup:
  Winners (2) – 1957–58, 1994–95

Ards' most successful period was the mid-1990s, when they won multiple trophies and regularly challenged top teams.

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Notable Players

• Billy McAvoy – One of the greatest forwards in club history

• Davy McCullough – Iconic defender and long-serving club captain

• Paul Kee – Renowned goalkeeper who later became manager

• Stewart Robson – Key midfielder in Ards' strong 90s era

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Notable Managers

• Roy Coyle – Highly successful Northern Irish manager, led the team in strong domestic runs

• Paul Kee – Former player turned manager who brought stability

• Niall Currie – Recent manager with experience rebuilding squads

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Best Domestic & International Campaigns

Domestic:

• Irish Cup winners (1958) – One of the club’s greatest achievements

• League Cup winners (1995) – Part of a very strong era

• Several top-flight seasons finishing near the top half throughout the 20th century

International (Europe):

Ards have played in European competitions, mainly:

• UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup

• Inter-Cities Fairs Cup

• UEFA Cup

Notable ties included matches against AS Roma (very famous in club history) and Standard Liège.

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Current Status 

Ards FC currently competes in the NIFL Championship, the second tier of Northern Irish football.
The club is focusing on rebuilding, developing young players, and attempting to secure promotion back to the NIFL Premiership.

Financial limitations and the loss of their original stadium remain long-term challenges, but the club maintains a stable structure and a loyal fanbase.

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Stadium – Clandeboye Park

• Location: Bangor, Northern Ireland

• Capacity: ~2,000

• Shared With: Bangor FC

• Details:
  A compact, traditionally styled stadium with a close-to-the-pitch atmosphere. It serves as Ards' home while the club continues its long-term mission of securing a permanent stadium back in Newtownards.

pic: transfermarkt

Rudar Pljevlja

 

FK Rudar Pljevlja – Club Profile

• Full Name: Fudbalski Klub Rudar Pljevlja

• Founded: 1920

• Location: Pljevlja, Montenegro

• Stadium: Gradski Stadion, Pljevlja

• Capacity: Around 5,000

• Club Colors: Blue and white

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History

FK Rudar Pljevlja is one of Montenegro’s oldest and most historic football clubs, established in 1920. The name “Rudar” means “miner”, reflecting Pljevlja’s mining heritage.

The club played for decades in the Yugoslav football system, primarily in lower and regional divisions, before emerging as a strong Montenegrin side after Montenegro’s independence in 2006. Since then, Rudar has been a consistent competitor in the Montenegrin First League (Prva CFL).

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Honours

• Montenegrin First League (Prva CFL):
    Champions (2): 2009–10, 2014–15

• Montenegrin Cup:
    Winners (2): 2006–07, 2010–11
    Runners-up (2): 2007–08, 2014–15

• Yugoslav Second League:
  Regular participants before Montenegrin independence

These titles established Rudar as one of the most successful clubs in post-independence Montenegro.

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Notable Players

• Sasa Popovic – Key defender and captain during the club’s golden years

• Zoran Vukic – One of Rudar’s most talented midfielders

• Damir Kojasevic – Montenegrin international who played in the team’s successful domestic campaigns

• Eldin Adilovic – Forward known for his goal-scoring during the 2010s

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Notable Managers

• Nikola Rakojević – Legendary Montenegrin coach who led Rudar to multiple titles

• Dragan Kanatlarovski – Former Macedonian international and coach who managed the team in European competitions

• Rade Vešović – Brought tactical stability and success in the national league

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Best Domestic & International Campaigns

• Domestic:
  Their best period came between 2009 and 2015, when Rudar won two league titles and two national cups, establishing themselves as a powerhouse in Montenegro.

• European:
  Rudar Pljevlja has participated in UEFA Champions League and Europa League qualifying rounds multiple times.
  Notable opponents included:

  • FK Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade)

  • Anorthosis Famagusta (Cyprus)

  • FC Mika (Armenia)
    While they did not advance far, these matches gave the club valuable international experience.

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Current Status (as of 2024–25)

Rudar Pljevlja currently competes in the Montenegrin First League (Prva CFL).
After some difficult seasons and occasional relegation battles, the club has been focusing on rebuilding, promoting young local players, and regaining its former strength. Financial stability and consistent management remain key goals for the coming years.

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Stadium – Gradski Stadion

• Location: Pljevlja, Montenegro

• Capacity: Around 5,000

• Surface: Natural grass

• Description:
  A compact and traditional ground that hosts an enthusiastic local crowd. The stadium offers a strong home-field advantage, particularly in matches against Montenegrin rivals like Budućnost and Sutjeska.

pic: transfermarkt

RFC Seraing

 

• Full Name: Royal Football Club Seraing

• Founded: 1922 (refounded in 2014 under current name after a merger and revival)

• Location: Seraing, Liège, Belgium

• Stadium: Stade du Pairay

• Capacity: Approx. 8,000

• Club Colors: Red and black

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History

RFC Seraing has a complex and storied history. The original club was founded in 1922 and played in Belgium's top divisions for several decades, including a strong presence in the 1980s and 1990s. However, due to financial difficulties, the original club merged with Standard Liège in 1996 and ceased to exist as an independent entity.

The modern RFC Seraing was formed in 2014 after a merger involving Boussu Dour Borinage, and the club quickly climbed the Belgian football ladder. By 2021, they had returned to Belgium’s First Division A for the first time in decades.

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Honours

While RFC Seraing hasn't won any major national trophies, they are notable for:

• Best League Finish (Original Club):
  🥉 3rd place in Belgian First Division – 1993–94

• Belgian Cup Finalist:
  🥈 1993–94 (lost to Anderlecht)

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Notable Players

• Victor Ikpeba – Nigerian striker, who went on to play for Monaco and Borussia Dortmund

• Alex Czerniatynski – Prolific Belgian forward in the 1990s

• Antoine Bernier – Key player in the recent campaigns (2020s)

• Georges Mikautadze – Georgian international who impressed during their promotion season

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Notable Managers

• Christophe Grégoire – Helped the club earn promotion to the top flight

• Jean-Louis Garcia – Experienced coach guiding them in recent seasons

• José Riga – Known for his tactical discipline and club rebuilding phases

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Best Campaigns – Domestic & International

• Domestic:
  In the 1993–94 season, RFC Seraing finished third in the Belgian top tier and reached the Belgian Cup Final.

• European:
  That same season, they qualified for the UEFA Cup and played against FC Dynamo Moscow, marking their most notable continental appearance.

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Current Status 

RFC Seraing was relegated from Belgium’s First Division A in 2023. As of now, they compete in the Challenger Pro League (second tier), aiming for a swift return to the top flight. The club is focused on stability, youth development, and retaining key players.

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Stade du Pairay

• Location: Seraing, Belgium

• Capacity: ~8,000

• Features: A traditional football ground, renovated in recent years to meet modern standards. Known for its loyal local fanbase and intimate matchday atmosphere.

pic: transfermarkt

EB/Streymur

 

EB/Streymur – Club Profile

• Full Name: EB/Streymur (Eiðis Bóltfelag / Streymur)

• Founded: 1993 (merger of EB Eiði and Streymur)

• Location: Streymnes, Faroe Islands

• Stadium: Við Margáir

• Capacity: Around 1,000

• Club Colors: Red, black, and white

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History

EB/Streymur was formed in 1993 through the merger of two small local clubs—EB Eiði and Streymur. The aim was to create a more competitive team for the island of Streymoy. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, EB/Streymur emerged as one of the strongest teams in Faroese football, achieving domestic success and making appearances in European competitions.

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Honours

• Faroe Islands Premier League (Betri Deildin):
  Champions (2): 2008, 2010

• Faroe Islands Cup (Løgmanssteypið):
  Winners (5): 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012

• Faroe Islands Super Cup:
  Winners (2): 2010, 2011

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Notable Players

• Arnbjørn Hansen – Legendary striker and one of the top scorers in Faroese football

• Hans Pauli Samuelsen – Midfield leader and long-serving captain

• Marni Djurhuus – Solid and reliable defender over many seasons

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Notable Managers

• Heðin Askham – Guided the club through its golden era

• Johannes Jakobsen – Early architect of the team's structure and style

• Maurits Heijboer – Dutch coach who brought professionalism and tactical discipline

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Best Domestic & International Campaigns

• Domestically:
  EB/Streymur dominated Faroese football from 2007 to 2012, winning multiple cups and league titles.

• In Europe:
  Participated in UEFA Champions League and Europa League qualifiers.

  • Most notable matches include encounters with Manchester City (2008) and Lech Poznań.

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Current Status 

EB/Streymur is no longer the powerhouse it once was, currently competing in the Betri Deildin (top division) but often finishing in mid-table. The club now focuses on youth development and local talent, aiming to rebuild toward previous success.

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Stadium – Við Margáir

• Location: Streymnes

• Capacity: Approx. 1,000

• Description: A small, intimate ground with a scenic backdrop typical of the Faroe Islands, known for its close community atmosphere.

pic: transfermarkt

Dijon FCO

 

Dijon FCO – Club Overview

Full name: Dijon Football Côte d'Or
Founded: 1998
Stadium: Stade Gaston Gérard, capacity of around 15,000
Location: Dijon, Burgundy, France
Club Colors: Red and White
Nickname: Les Rouges (The Reds)

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History:

Dijon FCO was established in 1998 through the merger of two local clubs: Cercle Sportif Laïque Dijonnais and Dijon FC. From the late 1990s, the club steadily climbed the French football divisions.

In 2011, Dijon reached Ligue 1 (France’s top division) for the first time in its history. Although they were relegated the same season, the club returned in 2016 and remained in Ligue 1 for five consecutive seasons, until relegation in 2021.

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Trophies & Achievements:

While Dijon FCO has not won any major national or international trophies, they have achieved the following honors in lower divisions:

• 🏆 Ligue 2 – Runners-up (Promotion): 2010–11, 2015–16

• 🏆 Championnat National (Third Division) – Winners: 2003–04

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Notable Players & Coaches:

Key Players:

• Cédric Varrault – Iconic former captain

• Julio Tavares – Club's all-time top scorer

• Frédéric Sammaritano – Creative midfielder, key in the club's promotion

• Naïm Sliti – Star playmaker during Dijon’s Ligue 1 campaigns

Important Coaches:

• Olivier Dall'Oglio – Led the team to promotion and kept them in Ligue 1 for several seasons

• David Linarès – Former player and coach, who tried to prevent relegation during difficult times

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Best Performances:

Domestic:

• The club's golden era was its five-season stay in Ligue 1 (2016–2021).

• Reached the Coupe de France quarterfinals in 2004 and 2020.

International:

• Dijon FCO has never competed in European tournaments.

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Current Status (as of 2024):

Dijon is currently playing in Championnat National (France's third tier) after back-to-back relegations. The club is in a period of rebuilding, aiming to return to Ligue 2. Despite the drop in divisions, the fanbase remains loyal and supportive, and the club is working toward long-term stability.

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Stadium – Stade Gaston Gérard:

• Location: Dijon

• Capacity: Approx. 15,000

• Renovations: Recently upgraded to meet Ligue 1 standards

• Atmosphere: Intimate and passionate, supported by a devoted local following

pic: transfermarkt

Exeter City

 

Exeter City was founded in 1904 and joined the Football League in 1920 as a founding member of the Third Division. Though the club has mostly played in the lower tiers of English football (League One and Two), it has a long and proud history of being a community-focused club.

One unique piece of history: Exeter City were the first team to play against the Brazil national team during a 1914 tour of South America — a notable fact celebrated by both clubs.

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Trophies and Honours:

While Exeter City has not won major national trophies, it has achieved various lower-league honors, including:

• Football League Third Division South Cup: Winners (1933–34)

• Conference Premier Playoff Winners: 2008

• Multiple promotions between League Two and League One

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Notable Players and Managers:

• Cliff Bastin – Perhaps the most famous player to come through the Exeter ranks, later becoming a legend at Arsenal and playing for England.

• Tony Kellow – Club legend and top scorer in the 1970s and 1980s.

• Matt Taylor – A respected recent manager (2018–2022), led Exeter to multiple playoff runs.

Current manager (as of 2024): Gary Caldwell, a former Wigan Athletic and Scotland defender, who took over in 2022.

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Best Domestic and International Runs:

• Best FA Cup performance: Quarter-finals in 1930–31

• Best EFL Cup run: Fourth Round (1989–90)

• European history: No major international appearances, but their 1914 tour of South America and match against Brazil remain a historic highlight.

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Current Status (2024):

As of the 2023–24 season, Exeter City are competing in EFL League One (the third tier of English football). They have had a mixed campaign but remain stable and competitive, aiming to push for the top half of the table or a potential playoff spot in the coming seasons. The club is known for nurturing young talent, often promoting academy players to the first team and selling them to bigger clubs.

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Stadium – St James Park:

• Location: Exeter, Devon

• Opened: 1904

• Capacity: ~8,800

• Surface: Grass

• The stadium has seen several renovations and remains a tight, atmospheric ground that’s loved by fans for its close-knit feel and community spirit.

pic: transfermarkt

Armagh City FC

 

History:
Armagh City FC was founded in 1964 under the name Milford Everton. In 1988, the club moved to the city of Armagh and was renamed to Armagh City. It has participated for many years in the intermediate and lower divisions of Northern Irish football, with occasional appearances in the top flight.

Trophies:
While it hasn’t won major national titles, it has had success in intermediate competitions, including:

• IFA Intermediate League (1): 2004–05

• NIFL Championship 2 (1): 2013–14

• Mid-Ulster Cup (1): 2000–01

• Bob Radcliffe Cup (multiple times)

Notable Players and Coaches:
Although the team hasn’t had internationally renowned players, it has developed several talented locals. Among the notable figures is Shea Campbell, who served both as a player and currently as the coach.

Best Runs Domestically and Internationally:
The club’s best domestic period was in the mid-2000s when it played in the Irish Premier League (top division of Northern Ireland). Internationally, it hasn’t had notable appearances, as it hasn't qualified for European competitions.

Current Status:
In the 2023–24 season, Armagh City secured 2nd place in the NIFL Premier Intermediate League and won promotion to the NIFL Championship after beating Dergview in a dramatic playoff. The club is in a positive phase, preparing for the 2024–25 season with momentum.

Stadium:
The team plays at Holm Park, which has a capacity of around 3,000 spectators and features an artificial pitch. It has hosted local finals and youth international matches.

pic: transfermarkt