NO PEACE FOR AMBITIOUS PYUNIK
by Khachik Chakhoyan from Yerevan

uefa.com, Switzerland
July 25 2007

For ten days or so now it has been all quiet in the Bardzraguyn
Khumb as Armenia’s leading clubs have been given time off to prepare
for their European matches with a month-long break in the domestic
calendar.

New faces Not since 14 July has Armenia seen top-flight football,
but there has nonetheless been plenty of action in the transfer market
with champions FC Pyunik chief among those clubs to have strengthened
their squad. Mauro Guevgeozian Cre made his debut during Pyunik’s 0-0
draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first round tie
at Derry City FC although only lasted a half at Brandywell. Uruguayan
goalkeeper Ignacio Lopez, however, looks destined to see out the
season in Armenia while fellow South Americans Jorge Luis Luna and
Guillermo Faria are also hoping to win contracts after trial spells
with the league leaders.

Foreign trialists A series of disappointing performances has forced
FC Banants to remould their squad. Ashot Grigoryan and Artak Oseyan
have moved on, while Andrej Burdian has left for Ukraine, but Banants
did at least make a promising start to their UEFA Cup campaign with
a 1-1 first qualifying draw against BSC Young Boys. Banants have
invited Czech defender Jan Jelínek, Ugandan forward Noa Kasule,
Brazilian midfielder Edmar Sigeira and Ukrainian goalkeeper Dmitry
Pivovarenko on loan in the hope that European progress will prove a
strong enough incentive to convince them to stay.

Sukiasyan dismissal After five coaching changes in the opening stages
of the season it seemed that the dust had settled on dismissals but
prominent Armenian coach Varuzhan Sukiasyan has become victim No6
after being relieved of his duties by FC Ararat Yerevan. Sukiasyan
has been replaced by Serbian coach Du~Zan Mijiæ, who will be assisted,
at least initially, by Ashot Kirakosyan and Vahan Nikolyan.

–Boundary_(ID_3ltQGHyo6us0SpOHT5oWQw)- –