PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv Overview
PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv, commonly referred to as Lokomotiv Plovdiv or simply Lokomotiv, is a Bulgarian professional football club based in Plovdiv. The club was founded in 1926 and has been competing at various levels of the Bulgarian football league system since its inception.
Club History
Founded on July 2, 1926, Lokomotiv Plovdiv began its journey as a small regional team in Plovdiv. Over time, the club gained popularity and eventually joined the top-tier Bulgarian football league in 1939. Since then, Lokomotiv has experienced its fair share of triumphs and setbacks.
Notable Achievements
- 1x Bulgarian Cup winner (1945)
- 3rd place in the Bulgarian National Football League (1970-71, 1989-90)
- Best finish in European competition: Round of 32 in the UEFA Intertoto Cup (1998)
PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv Squad and Staff
Lokomotiv's squad consists of skilled players, including Bulgarian nationals and international signings. The team has undergone significant changes over the years, with new managers and coaches taking charge to improve performance.
Current Coaching Staff
Name |
Position |
Ivan Petev |
Main Coach |
Dimitar Todorov |
Assistant Coach |
Georgi Vasilev |
Goalkeeper Coach |
PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv Stadium
Lokomotiv's home stadium is the Plovdiv Municipal Stadium, which has been their primary venue since 1967. The stadium underwent renovations in 2016 to increase seating capacity and meet modern safety standards.
Stadium Specifications
- Capacity: 10,000 seats
- Surface: Natural grass
- Dimensions: 105 meters x 68 meters (346 ft x 223 ft)
PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv Fan Culture
The team's loyal fan base is known for its passion and dedication. Lokomotiv fans have been instrumental in supporting the club through both good times and bad.
Ultras Groups
Lokomotiv has two main ultras groups: "South Sector" and "West Stand". These groups work closely with the team's management to organize fan events, protests, and other activities that demonstrate their support for the club.
Questions & Answers
Q: What is the history behind Lokomotiv Plovdiv's name?
A: The team's name comes from its origins as a locomotive factory's sports club. Over time, it was officially renamed to reflect this industrial heritage.
Q: Who are some of the notable players that have played for Lokomotiv Plovdiv in recent years?
A: Players like Ivan Tsachev and Anton Nedyalkov have been part of the team in recent seasons, showcasing their skills on both domestic and European stages.
Q: Are there any plans for a new stadium or renovations to improve fan experience at Plovdiv Municipal Stadium?
A: While there have been discussions about potential upgrades, no concrete decisions or announcements have been made regarding a new stadium. However, the team is focused on maintaining and improving their current venue.
PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv in European Competition
Lokomotiv has had some success in European competitions, particularly in the UEFA Intertoto Cup. Their best finish was reaching the Round of 32 in 1998.
European Competitions Statistics
Season |
Competition |
Result |
1997-98 |
UEFA Intertoto Cup |
Round of 32 (lost to Inter Bratislava) |
2003-04 |
UEFA Cup |
Qualifying Round (defeated FC Vaduz, eliminated by Maccabi Haifa) |
PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the Bulgarian National Football League
The club has experienced various levels of success in domestic competitions, with their best finish being 3rd place in the top-tier league.
Domestic Competitions Statistics
Season |
League Position |
1970-71 |
3rd (Bulgarian National Football League) |
1989-90 |
3rd (Bulgarian National Football League) |
PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv Transfers and Finances
The club has made notable signings in recent years, including international players like Ivan Tsachev. Their financial situation is stable, with significant investments from the team's ownership.
Recent Transfer Activity
- Ivan Tsachev (defender) – signed in 2020 from Slavia Sofia
- Anton Nedyalkov (midfielder) – signed in 2019 from Botev Plovdiv
External Links:
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PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv on Wikipedia
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Lokomotiv Plovdiv Player Database on Transfermarkt
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UEFA Champions League Matches: Lokomotiv Plovdiv vs. Liverpool (2020)
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Bulgarian Football Union
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Liga Profesionisti na Bulgaria