Fans Demand Leadership Change

Supporters of Spartak Plovdiv have staged a protest at the club’s sports complex, demanding the resignation of owner Dinko Milenchev. The rally, organized by the fan base of the third-tier side, featured a prominent banner reading "Dinko, out! Spartak belongs to the people of Plovdiv." The demonstrators cited "catastrophic management" and claimed that the club’s youth prospects are effectively dying out under the current administration.

Former players Vladimir Chernev and Lyubomir Burnarski joined the crowd, lending credibility to the supporters' grievances. Ivan Burnarski, a youth coach and former academy trainer, stated that fans are seeking a manager who genuinely cares for the club and its young athletes. He argued that the current leadership is indifferent to the children training in the Plovdiv team’s youth school.

Crumbling Facilities and Lost Talent

"We are here because we care for our neighborhood club and the children of the Kuchuk Paris district," Ivan Burnarski said. "The management is, at best, catastrophic. Our kids are being lost. There is no development for them. They quit football at 13 or 14 years old because the Spartak base is in terrible condition."

He pointed out that the two small artificial turf pitches are riddled with holes, leading to injuries. He recalled a specific incident where a child sprained an ankle due to the poor surface, noting that management, including Milenchev and Mr. Hasan, showed no concern. Burnarski added that supporters have already spoken with the Plovdiv Sports Development Council Foundation. Its chairman, Ivan Pashov, has expressed willingness to assist the club.

Former Players Speak Out

Ivan Burnarski criticized the senior squad’s recruitment strategy, noting that players of questionable quality are brought in, blocking pathways for academy graduates. He also lamented that the Todor Diev Stadium is no longer fit for hosting matches.

Vladimir Chernev, a former player for the Gladiators, expressed deep disappointment. "I played during some of Spartak’s best years. It hurts to see what is happening now," he said. Chernev revealed he attempted to meet with Milenchev to unite forces, as he heads the Spartak Plovdiv Football Academy, but was rejected rudely. He claimed he was even chased off the stadium by security guards last year despite having a scheduled booking.

Lyubomir Burnarski emphasized the need for professional investment in the base and coaching staff. "Many talented kids have been lost here. I was a coach for three years, but those children ended up on the street due to the approach taken. There is no base, no conditions, and they left," he stated. In the previous season, Spartak Plovdiv finished seventh in the Southeast Third League standings. COMMENT: срещу милечев стана голямо бунтуване в пловдив. базата наистина е кошмар и децата си тръгват на парче. дали пашов ще спаси ситуацията или пак ще е същото...