Football Teams

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

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)

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Monday, April 14, 2025

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Thursday, April 10, 2025

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

Monday, April 7, 2025

SK Líšeň

SK Líšeň is a Czech football club based in the Líšeň district of Brno, Czech Republic. The club has gradually risen through the Czech football league system and currently plays in the Czech National Football League (FNL), which is the second tier of Czech football.

Stadium

Name: Stadion SK Líšeň
Capacity: Approximately 2,500
Location: Brno, Czech Republic
It is a small but modern stadium that fits the club’s growing ambitions.

History

Founded: 1924
Originally a small community club, SK Líšeň spent much of its history in regional and lower-tier Czech competitions.
In 2019, the club achieved promotion to the Czech National Football League, marking a significant milestone in its modern era.

Trophies & Achievements

SK Líšeň has no major national trophies to date, as it's a relatively modest club in terms of resources and history.
The biggest achievement so far has been:
- Promotion to the second division (FNL) in 2019
- Strong league finishes, including a top-5 position in some recent seasons.

Domestic & International Performance

Best League Finish: Consistently finishing mid-table or higher in the FNL since promotion.
Czech Cup: Occasional participation, but no major cup runs yet.
No international competitions so far, due to not reaching the top division.

Notable Players

While SK Líšeň hasn't had internationally famous players, it has been known for:

Developing local Czech talents
Signing experienced players from higher divisions to stabilize their squad
Players such as Jakub Černín and Martin Zikl have been standouts in recent years.

Current Status

As of the 2024/2025 season, SK Líšeň is a competitive side in the Czech National Football League.
The club is ambitious, aiming for potential promotion to the Fortuna Liga (top tier) in the coming years.
Known for its community spirit, youth development, and stable management.

Notable Coaches

The club's coaching strategy is centered on developing talent and tactical discipline.
Milan Valachovič was a notable coach in recent years, helping them during their rise.

SK Líšeň is a growing club in Czech football, built on strong local roots and consistent development. While they haven't reached the top division yet or achieved major silverware, their story is one of progress and ambition. Their small but passionate home in Brno reflects their underdog spirit and community support.

pic: transfermarkt

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

FK Riteriai

FK Riteriai is a Lithuanian football club based in Vilnius, Lithuania. The club has been a regular competitor in the A Lyga, Lithuania’s top football division, and has gained recognition for its participation in European competitions over the years.

History & Achievements

Founded: 2005 (originally as FK Trakai, rebranded to FK Riteriai in 2019).
League Performance: A consistent team in A Lyga since 2014.
Club Identity: Known for developing young players and competing for European qualification spots.

Trophies & Honours

A Lyga Runners-up 🥈 (2015, 2016, 2017) – Strong league finishes behind Lithuania’s dominant clubs.
Lithuanian Cup Finalists 🏆 (2016, 2018) – Came close to winning domestic silverware.

Best Performances

Domestic Success

Three consecutive 2nd-place finishes (2015-2017) – One of the club’s strongest periods in A Lyga.
Regular European qualification – Finished in top positions often enough to secure UEFA tournament spots.

European Competitions

First European Qualification (2015-16 UEFA Europa League) – Competed in European football for the first time.
Best European Run: Reached the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League (2017-18).
Notable Wins: Defeated St Johnstone (Scotland) in the Europa League qualifiers.

Notable Players & Coaches

Key Players

Justas Lasickas – A talented Lithuanian international.
Donatas Kazlauskas – One of the team’s most technical players.
Bogdan Vaštšuk – A key midfielder during the club’s European campaigns.

Notable Coaches

Oleg Vasilenko – Helped establish the club as a competitive force.
Francisco Javier Martín – One of the more recent coaches focused on player development.

Current Status

Recent Performance: Mid-table A Lyga team, no longer a consistent title challenger.
2024 Season Goals: Aiming for a return to the top four and potential European qualification.
Challenges: Competing with bigger clubs like Žalgiris Vilnius and FK Kauno Žalgiris.

Stadium – LFF Stadium

Name: LFF Stadium
Capacity: 5,067 spectators
Location: Vilnius, Lithuania
Surface: Artificial Turf
Shared With: Lithuanian national team and FK Žalgiris.

FK Riteriai is a respected Lithuanian club, known for its European performances and strong finishes in the A Lyga during the mid-2010s. While they have struggled to maintain title-contending form, they remain an important club in Lithuanian football, focusing on developing young talent and returning to European competitions. Their LFF Stadium remains a key venue in Lithuanian football.

pic: transfermarkt

Friday, March 28, 2025

FK Auda

FK Auda is a Latvian football club based in Ķekava, Latvia. The club has a long history in Latvian football, but in recent years, it has gained more prominence after securing promotion to the Virslīga, the top tier of Latvian football.

History & Achievements

Founded: 1969
League Performance: Historically played in lower divisions but has recently established itself in the Latvian Higher League (Virslīga).
Rise to the Top: Gained promotion to the Virslīga in 2021 after winning the 1. līga (Latvian second division).

Trophies & Honours

Latvian Cup Winners 🏆 (2022) – Their first major trophy, which also earned them a place in European competition.
1. līga Champions (2021) – Secured promotion to the top flight.

Best Performances

Domestic Success

Latvian Cup Victory (2022) – Defeated RFS in the final, marking their biggest achievement.
Regularly competing in the top half of the Virslīga since their promotion.

European Competitions

UEFA Europa Conference League Qualification (2023-24) – Entered European competition for the first time due to their Latvian Cup win.
They have yet to make a deep run in European tournaments, but this marks a step forward for the club.

Notable Players & Coaches

Key Players

Raivis Ķiršs – One of their top goal scorers.
Gustavs Grasis – A promising young talent.
Foreign Signings – The club has brought in international players to strengthen their squad.

Notable Coaches

Tomislav Stipić – Managed the club during their rise in Latvian football.
Recent Coaches – FK Auda has been led by various managers who helped them achieve top-tier status.

Current Status

Recent Performance: Competing in the Latvian Virslīga, aiming to establish themselves as a consistent top-tier club.
2024 Season Goals: Looking to compete for European qualification spots and continue their cup success.
Challenges: Competing with bigger clubs like RFS and Riga FC, who dominate Latvian football financially and competitively.

Stadium – National Sports Base "LNK Sporta Parks"

Name: LNK Sporta Parks (Temporary Home Ground)
Capacity: 2,000 spectators
Location: Riga, Latvia
Surface: Artificial Turf
Future Plans: The club aims to develop its own stadium in Ķekava, their hometown.

FK Auda is a rising force in Latvian football, with their Latvian Cup win (2022) marking a significant milestone. They are now competing in the Virslīga and have started their journey in European competitions. While they still have challenges to overcome, particularly against the dominant clubs in Latvia, FK Auda is an ambitious club with a strong future ahead.

pic: transfermarkt

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Aberystwyth Town FC

Aberystwyth Town FC is one of the oldest and most historic football clubs in Wales, based in the coastal town of Aberystwyth. The club has been a consistent presence in the Cymru Premier (Welsh Premier League) and has participated in domestic cup competitions as well as European tournaments.

History & Achievements

Founded: 1884, making it one of the oldest clubs in Welsh football.
League Performance: A founding member of the League of Wales (now Cymru Premier) in 1992.
Club Identity: Known for its green and black kit, representing the town’s natural beauty and heritage.

Trophies & Honours

Welsh Cup Winners: 🏆 1900
Welsh Cup Runners-up: 3 times (1948, 2009, 2014)
Welsh League Cup Winners: 🏆 2018
Best League Finish: 2nd place in the Welsh Premier League (1992-93)

Best Performances

Domestic Success

Welsh Cup Champions (1900) – One of their greatest historical achievements.
League Cup Victory (2018) – Defeated Newtown AFC in the final.
Regular top-half finishes in the Cymru Premier, although they have never won the league title.

European Competitions

UEFA Intertoto Cup (1999) – Faced Floriana (Malta) in their only European appearance.
They have yet to qualify for the UEFA Europa League or Champions League, but consistently compete for European spots.

Notable Players & Coaches

Key Players

Luke Sherbon – Former club captain and a key midfielder.
Geoff Kellaway – A long-serving winger with great pace and skill.
Antonio Corbisiero – An important player during their strongest league finishes.

Notable Coaches

Alan Morgan – Managed the team during strong Cymru Premier campaigns.
Neville Powell – A respected Welsh coach who helped develop the squad.

Current Status

Recent Performance: Struggling in recent seasons, fighting relegation battles in the Cymru Premier.
2023-24 Season: The club is in the lower half of the league table, aiming to secure safety and rebuild for the future.
Challenges: Lack of financial power compared to dominant clubs like The New Saints (TNS).

Stadium – Park Avenue

Name: Park Avenue
Capacity: 5,000 spectators (including 1,000 seated)
Location: Aberystwyth, Wales
Surface: 3G artificial pitch
Atmosphere: A traditional Welsh football ground with a strong community feel.

Aberystwyth Town FC is a historic Welsh club that has had moments of success, particularly in domestic cup competitions. Despite never winning the Cymru Premier, they have been a consistent and respected team in Welsh football. Financial limitations and increased competition have made it hard for them to compete for top honors, but they continue to fight for stability and potential European qualification in the future. Park Avenue remains a key football venue in Wales, hosting a passionate local fanbase.

pic: transfermarkt