Kurban Berdyev

Kurban Berdyev ( _ru. Курбан Бекиевич Бердыев) was born August 25, 1952 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan and is a former Soviet football defense player and current head coach (and vice-president) of FC Rubin Kazan. He is a most prominent football player and coach of Turkmen ethnicity. Education – Turkmenistan State University (1971-1975), Moscow Higher Coaching School (1989-1991).

Playing Career (1971-1985):

Berdyev grew up with Kolkhozchi Ashgabat where he played in cadet and junior teams since 1966. He joined the professional team in 1971.
*Soviet Top League (7 seasons, 155 games, 23 goals) – FC Kairat (1977, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985), SKA Rostov-on-Don (1979, 1980). Highest place- 8th with Kairat (1977, 1984).
*Soviet First League (7 seasons, 211 games, 32 goals) – Kolkhozchi (1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1978), FC Kairat (1983), First League Winner with FC Kairat in 1983.
*Soviet Second League (2 seasons) – Kolkhozchi (1975), FC Rostov (1980); 3rd place (1975).

Coaching Career (1986-present):

*1986-1989 – FC Khimik Dzhambul (Soviet Second League);
*1991-1992 - FC Taraz (Kazakhstan Premier League), Cup finalst - 1992;
*1993-1994 - Gençlerbirliği (Turkish Premier Super League);
*1994-1995 – FC Kairat (Kazakhstan Premier League);
*1996 – FC Caspiy (Kazakhstan Premier League), 4th place, Cup 1/2 finals;
*1997-1999 – Nisa Asgabat (Turkmenistan League), Cup Winner - 1998, Champion - 1999.
*1997-1999 – Turkmenistan national football team;
*2000-2001 – FC Krystall Smolensk (Russian First Division);
*Since 2001 – Rubin Kazan (then in Russian First Division). Russian First Division Winner (2002), Russian Premier League Bronze medalist (2003).

It was in Rubin Kazan where Berdyev made his name as a coach getting them promoted to Russian Premier League in 2002, and grabbing there the bronze medals in their debut year (2003). He managed the team in two appearances in UEFA Cup (2004, 2006) and once in Intertoto Cup (2007).