FC Spartak Trnava

Football club infobox
clubname = Spartak Trnava


fullname = Football Club Spartak Trnava
nickname = "Bílí andeli"
(White angels)
founded = May 30 1923
ground = Štadión Antona Malatinského, Trnava
capacity = 18,448
chairman = flagicon|Slovakia Ladislav Kuna
manager = flagicon|Serbia Vladimir Vermezović
league = Corgoň Liga
season = 2007-08
position = First Division, 4th
pattern_la1=_redshoulders|pattern_b1=_blackstripes|pattern_ra1=_redshoulders
leftarm1=000000|body1=FF0000|rightarm1=000000|shorts1=000000|socks1=000000
pattern_la2=_shouldersonwhite|pattern_b2=_shouldersonwhite|pattern_ra2=_shouldersonwhite
leftarm2=FF0000|body2=FF0000|rightarm2=FF0000|shorts2=FFFFFF|socks2=FFFFFF

FC Spartak Trnava is a Slovak football club, playing in the town of Trnava. 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 Újpesti TE 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 1973/74 beckoned the end of Spartak's golden era.

90's

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.

Honours

Domestic

* Slovenský Pohár "(Slovakian Cup)"
** "Winners (5):" 1971, 1975, 1986, 1991, 1998

* Pribina Cup "(Slovakian Super Cup)"
** "Winners (1):" 1998

* Czechoslovakian League "(1945 - 1992)"
** "Winners (5):" 1968, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973

* Ceskoslovenský Pohár "(Czechoslovakian Cup)"
** "Winners (5):" 1951, 1967, 1971, 1975, 1986

European

* European Cup
** "Semi-Final (1):" 1969
** "Quarter-Final (2):" 1973, 1974

* Mitropa Cup
** "Winners (1):" 1967

Fans

The fans are well-known throughout the country for their passion. The main ultras group, called "Ultras Spartak". On home matches, usually the choreography is now prepared and presented by group Northisde Patriots. But Ultras Spartak consist of all big or smaller fan groups groups. red Black Warriors is now trying to be only hooligan's group.

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 Slovan Bratislava. This rivalry has a long tradition and the matches between these clubs are considered as the most prestigious derby in Slovakia.

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.

Current squad

Famous players

Golden era

*flagicon|Slovakia Jozef Adamec
*flagicon|Slovakia Karol Dobiaš
*flagicon|Slovakia Ladislav Kuna

90's

*flagicon|Slovakia Miroslav Karhan
*flagicon|Slovakia Marek Ujlaky

External links

* [http://www.spartak.sk/ Official website] sk icon
* [http://www.ultrasspartak.sk/ Ultras Spartak] sk icon