7th August 2000
The big Stoitchkov is probably going to re-sign Fire in one month. At the moment Fire are discussing what kind of a contract to offer to the Dagger-a one or two year one. However, no matter what they decide, the most titled Bulgarian football player is going to accept it.
6th August 2000
Fire 3 MetroStars 1
Stoitchkov, recovering from
season-long groin problems, played 22 minutes--his longest stint since June 4.
6th August 2000
The Fire regained a share of the Central
Division lead with its 3-1 victory over
the MetroStars before 19,549 at Soldier
Field on Sunday.Even Razov isn’t immune to the injury epidemic. He said he slightly
sprained his left knee in Tampa and felt some pain in it Sunday. He
took himself out of the match after 68 minutes, giving way to Hristo
Stoitchkov.
Stoitchkov scored the final goal of the match, five minutes into
stoppage time, after earning a penalty and red-card ejection from the
MetroStars’ Roy MyersMeyersCQ. Stoitchkov easily beat MetroStars
goalkeeper Mike Ammann with his spot kick.
6th August 2000
Stoitchkov, Matthaeus lose marquee
status
Major League Soccer expected today to be a highlight of its fifth regular season--a
head-to-head duel on national television between Hristo Stoitchkov of the Fire and
Lothar Matthaeus of the New York/New Jersey MetroStars at Soldier Field.
MLS had counted on Matthaeus and Stoitchkov, both legends in Europe, to build its
popularity this season, but neither has been a smashing success.
Matthaeus was playing for Germany and Stoitchkov was injured when the teams
played for the first time, a 4-1 MetroStars victory at Giants Stadium on May 27.
Now Matthaeus has an injury, and Stoitchkov is barely recovered from one. Neither
has had much impact this season--though their clubs are division leaders.
Stoitchkov, the Bulgarian striker, has been bothered by groin problems since joining
the Fire (11-8-5) a week before the season started. He had five goals and an assist
in his first nine games but missed the next 10. His eight-minute stint in Wednesday's
1-0 victory at Tampa Bay was Stoitchkov's first action since June 10. He could play
more today.
The Fire needs Stoitchkov more than the MetroStars need Matthaeus. Captain
Peter Nowak suffered a deep gash in his right shin at Tampa Bay, and another
midfield stalwart, Diego Gutierrez, is out with a sprained right ankle. The Fire got
through the Tampa game by using Lubos Kubik in Nowak's spot but more
firepower may be needed against the MetroStars, owners of a nine-game winning
streak until the loss to United.
Nowak, cut to the bone even through his sock and shin guard, was forced off the
field by his injury in Tampa but vowed to play today.
"We think there's no nerve damage, and the bone seems to be OK," he said. "I have
to play. It's a very big game for the team. I may just need to get strong shin guards."
The return of Kubik and Stoitchkov would mean the Fire will finally use all of its
foreign stars for two games in a row if Nowak can go.
3rd August 2000
Stoitchkov to stay
TAMPA - Even though he has appeared
in just nine matches in his first season
in Major League Soccer, every move
Hristo Stoitchkov makes—or doesn't
make—is covered by the European
media.
The latest example: A report out of
Scotland says Stoitchkov may join
Scottish First Division club Airdrie when his MLS contract expires in
December.
"There is a very real chance of Hristo Stoichkov coming to Airdrie,"
new team owner Steve Archibald said. "We had already discussed
the possibility of a move before he called me about another matter at
the weekend."
Stoitchkov did, indeed, talk to Archibald, who is a good friend going
back to their days as teammates at Barcelona. Their daughters even
attended the same school in Spain.
"We spoke about helping bring more Bulgarians to play in Scotland,"
Stoitchkov said before Wednesday night's match. "I never said at the
end of the year I would play in Scotland."
Since taking control of Airdrie, Archibald has purchased many foreign
players' contracts in a push to be promoted to the Scottish Premier
League. Adding Stoitchkov certainly would enhance its chances.
Stoitchkov thinks this is why his name is being tossed out, along
with the publicity it brings to Archibald and his team.
The level of play in the Scottish Premier League, annually dominated
by either Rangers or Celtic, is not as high as other European
leagues. There seems to be little to gain for a player of Stoitchkov's
stature to compete in the second-tier league.
Stoitchkov also said he would like to return next season but only to
the Fire. He has no interest in playing for another MLS team.
3rd August 2000
Forward Hristo Stoitchkov also got
into the ednesday's match between the Fire and the Tampa Bay Mutiny, playing the final 15 minutes. He had a sure goal cleared off the line by Addo in the final minute.
3rd August 2000
Stoichkov bid in the offing ?
New owner Steve Archibald claimed he's ready to make an attempt to sign Bulgarian World Cup star
Hristo Stoichkov.
He's certainly been as good as his word so far to the Airdrie supporters who are set to flood the
highlands this weekend. The player himself wouldn't rule out such a move, saying: "There are two
reasons I would play for Airdrie - my close friendship with Steve and a fresh challenge." And a decent
pay day.
Meanwhile, Iain Munro, the assistant manager at Somerset Park, has been linked with the first team
coach's job at New Broomfield. We understand Gordon Dalzeil doesn't want to lose him, however.
3rd August 2000
Archibald Tries To Lure Stoichkov To Airdrie
GLASGOW, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Former European footballer of the year
Hristo Stoichkov, who has graced the world's great soccer stages
during a sparkling career for Barcelona and Bulgaria, has been invited
to join Scottish first division club Airdrie.
Airdrie's new owner Steve Archibald, the former Barcelona and
Scotland striker, confirmed on Wednesday that he has spoken to the
Bulgarian, 34, who is currently playing with Chicago Fire in the United
States.
Archibald bought Airdrie three weeks ago and believes he can tempt
the former idol of the Nou Camp to New Broomfield, Airdrie's
10,000-seat stadium.
Archibald said: "It is not a publicity stunt, there is a very real chance
of Hristo coming to Scotland. He is under contract to Chicago Fire
until December but I would be willing to wait before bringing him to
Airdrie.
"He has promised to get in touch immediately he has made up his mind
about his future, but he is still an exciting talent and he could do a
great job for us."
Archibald and Stoichkov both played for Barcelona, though at different
times. Archibald, who has a home in Barcelona, last week signed up
seven Spanish players for his new club.
3rd August 2000
Stoichkov wanted in Scotland
SCOTLAND (goalnetwork) -- Chicago Fire's Bulgarian veteran Hristo
Stoichkov is wanted back in Europe - by Scottish First Division club
Airdrie.
Steve Archibald, the former Scotland striker who is Airdrie's new
owner, said today that signing his old Barcelona team-mate is his
transfer market priority. The two played alongside each other in
Spain in the late 1980s.
Archibald discussed the possibility with Stoichkov at the weekend. He
said: "There is a very real chance of Stoichkov coming here. We had
already discussed the possibility before he called me about another
matter at the weekend.
"The subject cropped up again and I can tell you he was very
interested. This is not an old pal's act or a publicity stunt - I believe
Hristo could do a great job for the club."
3rd August 2000
Hristo Stoitchkov received an offer from a Scottish First Division team. His contract with Chicago Fire expires in December.
