FC Spartak Trnava is a professional football club based in Trnava, Slovakia. Historically it is one of the most successful clubs in Slovakia.
History
The club was founded on May 30, 1923 by the merging of Šk Čechie and ČšŠk into TSS Trnava. After a communist takeover it became affiliated with the metal industry works and was renamed to TJ Kovosmalt ("Metal-enamel"). In 1952, the club gained its current name.
Golden era
The Golden era of Spartak began in the season of 1966/67. The team of legendary coach Anton Malatinský was top of the league by autumn, but by the end of the season had only finished in third place. Great success was achieved in the Mitropa Cup. Spartak beat teams like Budapest Honvéd FC, S.S. Lazio and Fiorentina A.C. and in final the defeated Újpest FC of Hungary. In the following season Spartak gained their memorable first title. They reached the semi-final of European Cup to face Ajax Amsterdam. It is their greatest success up until now. Under the management of Ján Hucko, the team also won a second championship. In 1970/71 and 1971/72, Trnava won their third and fourth championship titles under coaches Valér Švec and Anton Malatinský. The team also reached the quarter-final of European Cup in 1973 and 1974. The fifth and the last league title in 1972/73 beckoned the end of Spartak's golden era.
90's
Although Spartak finished 16th (and last) in the last unified Czechoslovak league season in 1992/93, the latter half of the 90's can be considered the renaissance of football in Trnava. In the 1995/96 season, Spartak finished third and its popularity grew. The 1996/97 season was a memorable on for fans of Spartak, Karol Pecze almost led the team to its first Slovakian league title but got beaten to it by Košice in the final week of competition. The following season, under new coach Dušan Galis the team again achieved second place and then third place in the 1998/99 season which saw the end of this recovery of footballing prowess in Trnava.
The fans are well-known throughout the country for their passion. The main ultras group is called Ultras Spartak.It consists of all big or smaller fan groups groups.
They are often described as best fans in Slovakia. Trnava has in the long term highest attendance in republic.
Traditionally, club has great support in city and its district, but it is very popular in whole west Slovakia region, especially in Hlohovec, Piešťany and Sereď area.
Rival teams
The greatest rival is ŠK Slovan Bratislava. This rivalry has a long tradition and the matches between these clubs are considered as the most prestigious derby in Slovakia.
Stadium
Stadium is located in centre of the Trnava, directly behind walls of the old town. It can hold up to 18,448 people and is all seated. Formerly known simply as "Spartak", in 1998 it was renamed in honour of the club's most successful coach Anton Malatinský.
Players and staff
Current squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Ladislav Kuna
