WTTGT Writer: Jake Harvey
Some weeks ago, we brought you news of and imposturous Arsenal, Arsenal Sarandi. It turns out there are more, including ‘Arsenals’ from Argentina, Ghana and the Ukraine, but how much do we know about the Arsenal namesakes?
Arsenal Kyiv, Ukraine’s answer to the Gunners.
Background
The Ukrainian side were founded in 2001 but date back to the 1950s under a different name. The Arsenal normally sit in the mid ranges of the Ukrainian League and play their home matches in red and blue colours, while their away fixtures see the more familiar red and white that is accustomed at the Emirates.
Nicknamed ‘The Cannoneers,’ Kyiv this season finished in 9th place but have on previous occasions managed to grab a lucrative European spot. The club also progressed to the semi-finals of the league cup competition.
Manager
Belarusian, Leonid Koutchouk, is currently at the helm of the Kyiv club. His past managerial experience came at Moldovan side, FC Sheriff Tiraspol, where he spent six years prior to joining Russian second division side, FC Salyut Belgorod.
2011/2012 Season
The new season in the Ukrainian league starts in just four days and Arsenal Kyiv begin their campaign with a home fixture against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk at the Kolos Stadium.
The Kolos Stadium holds a capacity 5,654, less than the capacity of Barnet FC’s Underhill ground.
Arsenal in action
Success
The club have struggled for success since they formed, their best season coming in 2001 where they reached the League Cup final before having an excellent run in the UEFA Cup on the back of their cup final. The UEFA Cup stretch included wins against Finnish side, FC Jokerit and Serbian club, Red Star Belgrade, who won the European Cup in the early 90s. Their fairytale run ended with a bang in the second round though losing 7-0 on aggregate to Club Brugge of Belgium.
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