Bits about Poli Originating in the first quarter of the 20th century, in 1921, FC Politehnica Timisoara has since undergone quite a few transformations along the years. Before the second WW, other teams reigned in Timisoara, the likes of Ripensia and Chinezul having had their share of success at the time. After the war, however, the communist party managed to subdue these once awe-inspiring teams, with only Poli (at one point named Stiinta) remaining to defend the home soil. Despite hard years, with both amazing achievements (two cup wins and decent performances in European Competitions, where Poli eliminated the likes of Atletico Madrid and Celtic Glasgow) as well as leaps into the second league, the team managed to keep afloat until it separated from the Politehnica Institute and "private investors" took hold of the club. The necessary change, which took place in different forms on all levels of the Romanian industry and economy, was a tremendously difficult one. Consequently, in the middle of the nineties, Poli got relegated once more from the Romanian first division, and slumped for a series of seasons in the second league, avoiding relegation anew through less decent maneuvers. When the end seemed near, after a most cataclysmic season in which Poli ended last in the standings of the Romanian DIVIZIA B2, former Romanian international Anton Dobos decided to move his team AEK Bucuresti, which had recently won promotion to the first league, to Timisoara (due to several, extremely practical reasons) and thus created Politehnica AEK Timisoara. The team fought valiantly for two and a half years and survived the menacing and less honorable taunts of their adversaries, as well as the overly mocking press, to reach what is possibly to be the highpoint of the team's existence. In the winter of 2004, Toni Dobos brought along a new sponsor - Balkan Petroleum - who have since totally reformed both the club's policy in transfers as well as most of the squad. Poli climbed from the pits of the First Division, where they lay at the 2004/2005 Winter break, to the sixth position by the end of the season, after a number of player transfers and the acquisition of former FC National Bucharest coach Olaroiu. Most of the players came from Olaroiu's ex-team, National, and it didn't take them an awful lot of time to convince the home crowd so dire for success that they represent the future of the fans' beloved white-purple team. A number of Romanian international players joined Poli that winter, among which former Nantes striker Viorel Moldovan and Atletico Madrid's "loanee" Cosmin Contra. Although the Timisoara born Contra left once the season ended, another handful of transfers in pre-season made certain that his parting would easily be forgotten. Poli now face the tough task of fighting for the league title against the Bucharest "giants", a task which the squad and staff find daringly achievable. No less than 5 international players will be giving their best for Timisoara in the 2005/2006 campaign: Caramarin, Coman, Gigel Bucur (last season's top goalscorer), Viorel Moldovan who all play for Romania, as well as Australian defender Jon McKain. However, just before the winter break Olaroiu was sacked and Gheorghe Hagi replaced him as manager. The transfer period brought another 9 players to Poli, the likes of Alin Stoica, Ilfeanyi Emeghara, Mihaita Plesan, Peter Simek, Adrian Ilie, Rares Soporan, Silviu Izvoranu, Sreten Stanic and Vladimir Gluscevic, as well as a number of young prospects which joined the B team. Hagi will try to recover the 6 points which sepparate Poli from the top of the league, although he has stated that winning the championship this season would be extremely difficult. There remains an unsolved issue regarding Poli's history, given that once Mr. Dobos brought AEK to Timisoara, the former owner took "his" team, the actual Politehnica Timisoara, founded 1921, away from the city and he has since been reluctant to pass over (or even sell) what justly belongs to the fans and Timisoara. Nevertheless, time will answer all our yearnings, or so we have recently been taught by this amazing revolution, and until that time comes, all the fans have the right to dream the most beautiful dream of all: for the first time in our history, may it be recent or integral, Poli crowned Romanian champions. FORZA VIOLA! |
The Squad Catalin Grigore (77) - Goalkeeper D.O.B. 06-10-1977 Transferred at the beginning of the 2003/2004 season, 27 year-old Grigore instantly commanded a first-team place, replacing the Moldawian goalkeeper Andrian Bogdan. He turned out to be one of the season's best players, managing some incredible saves which helped the team achieve its respectable league position (8th). However, a dreadful start of the following Divizia A campaign meant endangered his place in Poli's goal and with the arrival of Marius Popa, the chances of regaining his best form have become rather slim. Cristian Zimmermann (1) - Goalkeeper D.O.B. 18-04-1983 A promising young goalkeeper, usually used in Cup games, he made his first first league appearance in an away match against "giants" Rapid Bucharest and although Poli lost by two goals to nil, Zimmermann impressed. As a result he was called up to the Romanian U21 squad. Grigore's bad start of the 2004/2005 season was his chance to show off, but he hasn't really convinced anyone he's truly worthy of a place in the starting line up. He's generally been Popa's back-up ever since. Marius Popa (12) - Goalkeeper D.O.B. 12-04-1978 Among the FC National players who migrated to Poli last winter, Popa is a goalie who has proven to be one of the best in the country, this warranting him several call ups at the National squad, despite never actually being given the chance to play. Fairly young for a goalkeeper, at 26, Popa is undoubtedly Poli's number one goalkeeper, although his performances have been somewhat erratic. On a good day, however, he's very hard to beat. Sorin Radoi (14) - Defender Right D.O.B. 30-06-1985 U-21 international Radoi was bought together with Bucur, from Sportul, for a fee rumored about 800 000 euros. Of course most of the price was the tag for the striker, but Radoi mustn't be ignored. It remains to be seen how well the youngster can handle a first team place, but if he can, Radoi is definitely one hot prospect for the future. Adrian Olah (21) - Defender/Midfielder Right Olah is actually part of the players who signed for Poli in the winter of 2005, but he remained at FC National for the rest of the season. The choice proved to be very good, as Olah scored several goals and showed off as National's best player in the given time frame. His long shots are poised to cause some danger for the goalkeeper who has the unfortunate task of keeping them out of the net. Gabriel Canu (23) - Defender Centre D.O.B. 18-01-1981 Came from FC National and instantly commanded a place in the first team. Although less familiar to the fans than his teammates from Bucharest, Canu put in top notch performances in nearly all the matches he played for Poli, bestowing the defence with his presence. He has been highly praised for his level of consistency. Jonathan McKain (4) - Defender Centre D.O.B. 21-09-1982 The Australian International came from FC National before the 2005/2006 season started for a rumored fee of about one million euros. Being one of the best defenders in the Romanian league, all that remains is for him to confirm at Poli. His calmness is something any defender would be fortunate to share. Adrian Ilie (5) - Defender Centre D.O.B. 26-11-1981 Bought for 400 000 euros from Poli Iasi, Adrian Ilie represents the most expensive transfer ever to have been concluded by Poli Iasi, as his sum surpassed that of Romanian International Daniel Pancu. He has been a first team player for Poli Iasi, but that has changed now, since competition for a first team place at Poli is really tough given teammates such as Jonathan McKain and Gabriel Canu. Ilie is one of the players who haven't adapted as well as they should've in the pre-season build up, yet the staff members are convinced he will prove his worth. Silviu Balace (17) - Defender/Midfielder Left D.O.B. 13-11-1978 The 2003/2004 season was a sensational one for Balace, as he delivered some exceptional performances on the left side of the pitch, which earned him a first-team role. He has proven to be a very sentimental player, as after a game against Dinamo Bucharest (lost 1-2), when Balace also scored the only goal for Poli in the dying minutes, he stayed for minutes in the pouring rain, alone, on the field. The fans nicknamed him "Nedved from Banat" because of his (distant) resemblance with the Czech brilliant midfielder. With Hagi's arrival, he has been used more as a winger, than a defender, delivering some promising performances. Iasmin Latovlevic (3) - Defender Left D.O.B. U21 International, together with Scutaru, Daminuta and Dochita, he has been training with the "big boys" for a few months. He made his debut in the Romanian U21 in February 2006. Cristian Scutaru (2) - Defender Centre D.O.B. 13-04-1987 18 year old Scutaru was transferred from Jiul Petrosani before the season began and he playefd a few times for the (ex)B Team, CFR Timisoara. He has been an U19 international for a while and Ioan Sdrobis declaimed he would be the next Chviu (Sdrobis being, at one point, Chivu's coach). Ovidiu Petre (30) - Defensive Midfielder Centre D.O.B. 22-03-1982 24 year old, ex-Galatasaray player, Petre is managed to reignite his career with his transfer to Poli. He is, at this time, the only Poli player being regularly called up by Romania manager Victor Piturca. Tall and somewhat slow, Petre is a great tackler and he also moves in goal scoring positions, especially at corner kicks. However, his long shots have also proved a valuable 'weapon'. Leonard Naidin (11) - Defensive Midfielder Centre D.O.B. 15-09-1979 Another player brought at Poli last winter, born in Timisoara, Naidin has failed to live up to his potential years ago. He was once a promising player at Poli and left at a certain stage to Dinamo, where he wasn't offered any first team action, thus slowly declining into the pit of mediocrity. Definitely desiring to restate his ambition as a great footballer, he's a hard worker, although not sparkling on a more technical side. Rares Soporan (16) - Defender Centre/ Defensive Midfielder D.O.B. 29-06-1983 Born in Cluj, Soporan was transferred this winter from "U" Cluj, together with Laurentiu Bus (who will rest, however, at "U" until the season ends) as well as two other young players from the same team. Often labeled as a 'bad boy', Soporan will have to prove his worth in order to gain a first team place at Poli. Ilfeanyi Emeghara (13) - Defender Left/Right D.O.B. 24-03-1984 Bought from Partizan for 650 000 Euros, the Nigerian youth International is poised to play a vital role in this year's Poli squad. His arrival meant, first of all, that Poli had solved the defender left issue, which had been a troubling one for the last few years. His technique impressed everyone right from the start, causing a Bucharest newspaper to call him 'a defender left unlike any Romania has seen'. Now all that is left, is for "Eme" to confirm his appraisal. Silviu Izvoranu (6) - Defender/Midfielder Left D.O.B. 02-12-1983 Romanian U21 International Izvoranu joined Poli from Otelul Galati during the winter break. The tall midfielder, capable of also playing in defence, is one of Hagi's prospects for the future. Gabriel Caramarin (8) - Midfielder Centre D.O.B. 07-09-1977 Poli's playmaker - not very tall but highly effective - one of the best Romanian players in the midfield, is hard working and technically gifted, as well as a genuine goal scorer. In addition to this, "Cara" is brilliant at taking set-pieces, especially free-kicks. His first team role has however been limited due to pestering injuries and he will have to train hard in order to regain his first-team place. Gigel Coman (28) - Midfielder Centre/Left D.O.B. 04-10-1978 Caramarin's counterpart, Coman is quite similar to his ex-National teammate, providing invaluable feeds for the forwards, capable of scoring as well as effectively taking free-kicks. Some might argue that he is Caramarin's faithful copy. Coman has been playing at the best of his abilities since he came to Poli, scoring a number of times through impressive long shots and fighting fiercely for every ball on the pitch. Cristian Daminuta (26) - Midfielder Center D.O.B. 15-02-1990 A teenager in the proper sense of the word, Hagi has great faith in Daminuta, seeing in him a gifted player who can achieve great things if he keeps his mind on the ball. The leader of his generation, the youngster has been training with the first team for over a year and he figured in several friendlies, proving he is one to watch. Alin Stoica (22) - Midfielder Center D.O.B 10-12-1979 He was one of the most promising players of his generation. Stoica only played one match for Steaua when he was 16, being immediatly bought by Anderlecht Bruxelles, where he became one of the fans' favourites. After a bunch of successful seasons at Anderlecht, in which he played in the Champions League (scoring against Real Madrid), Stoica made a mistake in changing clubs to FC Brugges, where he never really got going. The last few years have been difficult for the extremely talented midfielder. With his arrival at Poli, Stoica stated that this is the last chance of his career to make things right and reward the faith Gheorghe Hagi has bestowed him with. His first few matches for Poli have shown a great player, who might very well become the brilliant midfielder he once was. Mihaita Plesan (10) - Midfielder Center D.O.B. 19-02-1983 The most expensive transfer of the winter break, as well as the most controversial one, Plesan moved to Poli from Dinamo Bucharest, for 800 000 Euros, although failing to confirm at the ex-champions. He was one of Hagi's "must have" players, the ex Galatsaray coach having also tried to sign him during his spell in Turkey. Plesan has a lot to prove in order to silence his critics and he seems up to the challange, judging by his performances in the pre-season friendlies. Peter Simek (32) - Midfielder Right Hungarian International Simek joined Poli from Fehevar this winter. He is a hard worker, although not brilliant on the technical side, and seems certain for a first team place if he can keep up the form he showed during the pre-season friendlies, when he scored 4 goals. Simek's most valued qualities are his speed and acceleration. Sreten Stanic (15) - Midfielder/Forward Left A Serbian youth International, Stanic joined Poli with RAD teammate Gluscevic. Although competition for a first team place is really tough on the left side, Stanic is determined to show off his qualities as often as possible. His crosses were awe-inspiring during the pre-season friendlies. Florin Dochita (27) - Forward D.O.B. 16-04-1987 Another young player promoted by Hagi from the B Team, Dochita made his debut for Poli in the Romanian Cup, as Poli went ablaze, losing 3-2 to a second league team. Although not truly a leader of his generation, Dochita also played several times for the Romanian U19 side. Marian Constantinescu (26) - Forward Right/Center D.O.B. 08-08-1981 The 24 year old Constantinescu returned from an unsuccessful loan spell at Gloria Bistrita and, surprinsingly, remained in the squad. Although being usually used as a midfielder, Hagi tends to put him up front as well. It remains to be seen whether Constantinescu can surpass Simek and gain a first team place. Vladimir Gluscevic (9) - Forward Center D.O.B. 20-10-1979 The Serbian 1,90m tall striker bought from RAD Beograd has the most to live up to, as he must replace Viorel Moldovan. He is obviously a constant threat at corners or free kicks, due to his height, but Gluscevic stated he wants to score with his feet as much as with his head. Being a massive player, "Glusce" doesn't have the best of accelerations, but he is extremely hard working...and work always pays off. Gueye Mansour (24) - Forward Center D.O.B. 30-12-1985 One of the promising players on the team, Mansour (20) scored five goals in his first twelve matches for Poli, one more beautiful than the other. The Senegalese striker is set to have a bright future as a footballer if he continues to develop at a decent rate. Possessing decent speed and technique, his major flaw is the individualistic character, followed closely by the lack of consistency he has proven "capable" of. Cristian Silvasan (20) - Forward Center/Right D.O.B. 25-02-1982 At the time he joined the club from Universitatea Craiova, Silvasan was a very promising player. But as the years passed, he has yet to truly prove that he can provide the goals when expected of him. Although being a very hard working player with good speed, he certainly lags on technical level. He has been plagued by injuries in the first half of the season, despite showing good composure in front of goal. Gigel Bucur (18) - Forward Center D.O.B. 08-04-1980 Bucur has been attracting some attention to himself for quite a few years, but last season really put him into the limelight. The 21 goals scored tied him with Dinamo's Niculescu as top league goal scorer, thus propelling him both in the National team, as well as the most valued possession of Sportul Studentesc. It was only a matter of time until he left the team, being targeted by the big guns from Bucuresti, as well as Poli - so it was proven. His transfer to Timisoara came as quite a surprise, after Olaroiu's denials concerning any interest in the player. His performances in the first half of the season have been abysmal, to say the least, as he only (truly) scored once in 11 matches. |
Staff Gheorghe Hagi - Manager D.O.B. 05-02-1965 Widely acclaimed as the greatest Romanian player of all time, Gheorghe Hagi returned to his home country after fifteen years, to coach Poli. His coaching experience includes stints at Bursaspor, the Romanian National Team and Galatasaray, where he also won the Turkish Cup. He is one of Romania's most famous players, well-known for his determination to discover talented youngsters and his tremendous ambition to achieve only the highest goals. Iosif Rotariu - 2nd Coach D.O.B. 27-09-1962 One of the most significant former Poli Timisoara players (who also played for Extensiv Craiova, Steaua and Galatasaray), as well as former Romanian International, Rotariu stepped down from his role at the National team in order to come and take part in Timisoara's revival on a footballing level. Gavril Balint - 2nd Coach D.O.B. 03-01-1963 Another famous player turned coach joined Poli together with Hagi. Balint played 264 games for Steaua in the Romanian First League and scored 69 goals. He won the European Champions Cup with Steaua and the European Super Cup, ending his career at Real Burgos Club de Futbol. Balint was 2nd coach at Galatasaray and the Romanian National Team and he was coach of Sportul Studentesc, Sheriff Tiraspol, FC Bihor Oradea and, for a short while, Poli. Zoltan Iasko - GK's coach D.O.B. 30-08-1964 Iasko was an extremely talented goalkeeper in his youth, but he never really confirmed at a higher level. He played for Universitatea Cluj, FC Baia Mare, Farul Constanta and FC Bihor Oradea. Iasko was also part of the staff at the Romanian National team and at Bursaspor. |
| Full Name | Fotbal Club Universitar Politehnica Timisoara | |||||||||||||
| Founding Year | 1921 | |||||||||||||
| First season in "A" | 1948 - 1949 | |||||||||||||
| Best Standing | 3 ('50 ; '56 ; '57-'58 ; '62-'63 ; '77-'78) | |||||||||||||
| First League Stats | Games | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded | Points | |||||||
| Total | 1162 | 428 | 265 | 469 | 1519 | 1657 | 1187 | |||||||
| Home | 581 | 352 | 133 | 96 | 1046 | 517 | 890 | |||||||
| Away | 581 | 76 | 132 | 373 | 473 | 1140 | 297 | |||||||
|
European Record |
Games | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded | ||||||||
| UEFA Cup | 10 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 19 | ||||||||
| Cup Winners Cup | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 11 | ||||||||
| Honours | Romanian Cup | 1957-1958 ; 1979-1980 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runners Up in Romanian Cup | '73-'74 ; '80-'81 ; '82-'83; '91-'92 | |||||||||||||
