MŠK Žilina
| File:MSK Zilina logo.png | |||
| Full name | MŠK Žilina | ||
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| Nickname(s) | Šošoni | ||
| Founded | 1908 | ||
| Ground | Stadium Pod Dubňom, Žilina | ||
| Capacity | 13000 | ||
| Chairman |  Jozef Michalko | ||
| Manager |  Pavel Hapal | ||
| League | Corgoň Liga | ||
| 2008-09 | Top Division, 2nd | ||
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MŠK Žilina is a Slovak football club, playing in the town of Žilina and is one of the most successful teams in Slovak top division (since 1993), having won 4 titles and finished runners-up 3 times in last 8 years. The club are nicknamed Šošoni which translates as Shoshone in English and plays its home games at Stadium Pod Dubňom.
History
Czechoslovakian League
The club was founded towards the end of 1908 under the Hungarian name Zsolnai Testgyakorlók Köre. Between the two world wars, when for a brief time Slovakia became an independent nation, the club won Slovakian championship twice, in 1928 and 1929. In total, the club had played 31 seasons in the First Division of the Czechoslovakian League spanning from 1925 to 1993. Remarkable remains 1945-46 season as they clinched the third place, only adrift of the likes of Sparta Prague and Slavia Prague. As a mark of honour to the best slovak team in this competition ŠK Žilina was named 'Unofficial Slovak Champion'.
Many consider 1961 a milestone in club's history. Firstly, the team reached the final of the National Cup, where they lost to Dukla Prague, the eventual Czechoslovakian champion. Despite the defeat, for the first time in history a club then known as Dynamo Žilina broke into Europe to contest in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. Notable 3-2 and 1-0 victories over Olympiacos Piraeus moved them in quarter-finals, however ambitious slovak team was ultimately knocked out by a previous year winner ACF Fiorentina. Although Žilina grabbed a promising 3-2 victory at home, Fiorentina proved to be too strong and went through by winning second leg 2-0.
In late sixties the club was renamed TJ ZVL Žilina and had frequently participated in European contests for several more years, though with no major success. 1973-74 season counts for only exception as they progressed to the final of Mitropa Cup however suffered defeat from Tatabányai Bányász. A fifth spot in Czechoslovakian league in the same year turned out to be the last notable achievement the club had made until winning their first historic title.
New era after 1993
Following dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, MŠK Žilina has been a regular participant in the Slovak Superliga with the exception of 1995-96 season after relegation to the second division. After lengthy two decades since the last European contest the club qualified for the Intertoto Cup in 1997 and 1999, however with no major success on both occasions. A valuable 3-1 victory over FK Austria Wien and 1-1 draw with Odra Wodzisław was not enough to progress into next stage, while next qualification easy 4-0 double-legged win over Herfølge Boldklub was followed by 4-2 loss to FC Metz in the second round.
Significantly, in the autumn of 2000, former Czechoslovakian defender Ladislav Jurkemik joined the club as a new manager and under his guidance the team became renowned for its winning mentality. After his departure halfway through the 2001-02 season to become a manager of the Slovak national team the club appointed Czech coach Leoš Kalvoda who cruised the team to their first title to clinch it four rounds before the end of season.
In the 2002-03 season, now under the management of Milan Lešický, the club succeeded in retaining its national championship having famously won a crucial away game when beating their only contender in title race Slovan Bratislava . Prolific striker Marek Mintal scored the late winner in a fantastic style and this was proved to be his last goal for recrowned Slovakian champion before his move to 1. FC Nuremberg.
The following campaign begun in a disappointing way and after humilliating exit from UEFA Cup having lost to Dutch side FC Utrecht 0-6 on aggregate coach Lešický was axed instantly. Although, prior to this game the club progressed into third qualifying round of Champions League beating Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-1 on aggregate, next round opponent proved to be a massive challenge for Slovakian team and were eliminated by Chelsea FC losing both legs 0-5 on aggregate. Following the departure of sacked manager, board had surprisingly appointed then quite unknown Czech coach Juraj Simurka. However his reign had lasted only three months after failing to make desired impact just to be replaced by Ladislav Jurkemik who was recalled for his second spell with north Slovakian club. Leading the current champions to 10 priceless consecutive victories turned out to be enough to clinch the third successive title though narrowly on a goal difference.
After Slovan Bratislava, MŠK Žilina became only the second club to win three Slovakian titles.
The team's performances in next two seasons faded while they lacked the quality they had been famous for during their winning campaigns. In pursuit of silverware numerous players were signed over next two years. In the span of only fourteen months, three managers; the reputable Karol Pecze, his successor Milan Nemec and eventually Marijan Vlak were in charge over the team. Since the results and performances never met the expectations, Vlak ended his reign immediately at the end of 2005-06 season after club failed to reach UEFA Cup spot only to finish fourth.
Unforgettable 2006-07 season will be remembered amongst the supporters for many years to come as club won its fourth title with a sensational display during the entire campaign having scored astonishing 99 goals. Well deserved credit to a new appointed manager Pavel Vrba whose tactics complemented with several new players proved to be an desired recipe for success as the team dominated throughout the season performing an enjoyable attacking football that was applauded all across the country.
Shortly after the start of 2007-08 season "Šošoni" had another chance to play Champions League first qualifying round against Luxembourg side F91 Dudelange and went through after a turbulent aggregate score 7-5. As there has been an arch rivalry between Slovakian and Czech teams since the split up, being tied with Slavia Prague in second qualifying round had been widely welcomed and eagerly awaited clash. Disappointingly, MŠK Žilina was knocked out by Czech champions only on penalties after two goalless draws. Eventually, the team had finished second in domestic league to be guaranteed more European football next season.
Under the management of Pavel Vrba the club begun 2008-09 campaign in a striking style having won first five games with an impressive score 16-1 and in the meantime defeated Belarus FC MTZ-RIPO 3-2 on aggregate in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup first qualifying round. For the second year running they were drawn to play another Czech team FC Slovan Liberec. Winning both legs 2-1 moved them even closer to a long awaited entry into a group stage providing they would eliminate Bulgarian PFC Levski Sofia. Club's drop in form in several domestic league games as well as being held 1-1 at home by Levski was followed by surprising decision to part a company with Pavel Vrba leaving most supporters in dismay. Seemingly gambling step to appoint Dusan Radolsky prior to the crucial second leg in Sofia came to fruition immediately as MŠK Žilina made it through when they managed to beat Levski 1-0 away and historically earned a spot in UEFA Cup 2008–09 group stage. The club was drawn to play in Group F alongside Hamburger SV, AFC Ajax, Slavia Prague and Aston Villa. They were the lowest ranked side of all 40 clubs in this stage of competition. Although they famously beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park in their last group game, the club finished fourth and did not advance to the knockout stages of the competition.
One of the club's most notable players of the modern time is Marek Mintál, being the captain and top scorer in club's two consecutive winning seasons 2001-02 and 2002-03 netting 21 and 20 goals respectively who currently plays for 1. FC Nuremberg.
Events timeline
- 1909 - Founded as ZsTK Zsolna
- 1910 - Renamed ZsTS Zsolna
- 1919 - Renamed SK Žilina
- 1948 - Renamed Sokol Slovena Žilina
- 1953 - Renamed Jiskra Slovena Žilina
- 1956 - Renamed DSO Dynamo Žilina
- 1961 - First European qualification, 1961/62
- 1963 - Renamed Jednota Žilina
- 1967 - Renamed TJ ZVL Žilina
- 1990 - Renamed ŠK Žilina
- 1995 - Renamed MŠK Žilina
Stadium
The original stadium was built in 1941 although the ground had been in use since club's foundation in 1909 . As of 2002, the club considered undertaking an extensive renovation of the stadium, which has since been in constant process of redevelopment.
Current stadium consists of four separate stands and has recently been expanded (as of 2007), with major redevelopment on West Stand (new hospitality boxes, increased capacity) including several alterations on the North Stand and South Stand, as to extra tiers being added, which have all been covered. Outward facing wall on North Stand is yet to be completed.
For the purpose of adequate security the stadium has been equipped with modern security installations as monitoring system. Intensity of floodlighting is 1,400 lux. There is also a large screen inside the ground for showing highlights of matchdays.
At the end of 2007-08 campaign the East Stand has been closed down as a further part of ongoing reconstruction. Brand new stand consisting of upper and lower tiers will have been built prior to 2009-10 campaign and is expected to give a completely new design and comfort. Final completition of the whole sport complex that will provide various shopping and leisure facilities is scheduled for 2011-12 season and current capacity (comprising three stands only) 8,400 seats will be increased to hold a crowd of 15,000 spectators.
Honours
Domestic
- Corgoň Liga (Slovakian Top Division) (1993 - present)
- Zvazové Majstrovstvá Slovenska (Slovakian League) (1925 - 1933)
- Winners (2): 1928, 1929
- Pribina Cup (Slovakian Super Cup)
- Winners (3): 2003, 2004, 2007
European
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
- Quarter-Final (1): 1961
- Mitropa Cup
- Runners-up (1): 1974
Current squad
As of 27th May 2009 Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Notable Players
Notable Managers
External links
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