F.C. Tirsense

Tirsense (pron. IPA2|tiɾ.'sẽ.sɨ) or officially Futebol Clube Tirsense is one of the historic football clubs of Portugal, having been positioned 13th place in a popularity poll for Portuguese clubs some years ago. Founded in 5-1-1938, based on a club called Ponte Velha - a place in the city near to the location of the stadium - they play at the Estádio Abel Alves de Figueiredo [http://futebolclubetirsense.no.sapo.pt/imagens/01.jpg] , in the city of Santo Tirso.

The club's finest hour came without doubt in 1948/49 when, under the management of Pinga, they knocked the all-conquering Sporting Clube de Portugal side of the "Five Violins" out of the Portuguese Cup with a 2-1 victory. In 1994/95 they finished eighth (one win away from a UEFA CUP position) in the First Division, their highest-ever position. The following year however, they were relegated, in the first of four consecutive demotions, dropping from the main championship in 1996 to the regional championships in 1999. The following year the club was promoted to the Third Division, where it stayed ever since.In spite of this, Tirsense has a usual attendance of 1500 - 2000, probably the best in Portuguese non-professional championships.

Assuming an amateur status since 2004, the club is making a successful task honouring debts, and aspires to make a comeback to the top in a near future.

Marcelo, (who already played in the FA Premier League) along with Emerson Thomé (better known in Portugal as Paredão), and also Everton Giovanella (Celta Vigo) are the most internationally known former club players. Recent names like Caetano, Rui Manuel or Batista are also well remembered by the fans. From the more distant years, António Luís and Festa (former Portuguese international) are some of the most sounding names.

Tirsense is currently coached by Quim Machado, who at his first season at the club as head coach (2006 / 2007), managed to promote Tirsense to the II Divisão, where the club currently competes in its serie A.

2006/2007 Roster:1 - Helder Ribeiro, goalkeeper3 - Serginho, left defender4 - Hugo Cruz, midfielder5 - João PEdro, midfielder6 - Paulo Sampaio, central defender7 - Marco Louçano, defensive midfielder (captain)8 - Pinto9 - Hugo Oliveira10 - Rui Gonçalves11 - Zé Pedro13 - Pedro Albergaria14 - Tiago15 - Pedro Fontes16 - Vitor Hugo17 - Kipulo18 - Veloso19 - Sérgio20 - Ricardo Rocha21 - Correia22 - Queirós23 - Zé Manuel25 - Manuel Luís26 - Vilaça29 - Pedro Pinto

Titles won:2nd Division champion (1969/70), Liga de Honra champion (1993/94), Oporto regional champion (1999/00)

External links

* [http://www.fctirsense.pt.vu Unofficial website]

ee also

*List of football clubs in Portugal