FK Smederevo 1924

Smederevo 1924
Full nameFudbalski klub Smederevo 1924
Nickname(s)Oklopnici (The Armors)
Founded6 May 1924; 100 years ago (1924-05-06)
GroundSmederevo Stadium
Capacity17,200
PresidentČaslav Ilić
Head coachJovan Golić
LeagueSerbian First League
2023–24Serbian First League, 5th of 16
Websitehttps://fksmederevo1924.rs/

Fudbalski klub Smederevo 1924 (Serbian Cyrillic: Фудбалски клуб Смедерево 1924), commonly known as Smederevo, is a Serbian professional football club based in Smederevo.

At the beginning of the 2000s, the club (then known as Sartid Smederevo) became one of the most successful clubs in the country and took part in European competitions in five consecutive seasons, with some memorable matches against the likes of TSV 1860 Munich and Ipswich Town. The club achieved its greatest success by defeating Red Star Belgrade 1–0 in the 2002–03 Serbia and Montenegro Cup final.

History

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Acting on suggestion from chief engineer Ernest Radlinski, the club was first founded on 6 May 1924 by SARTID (Srpsko akcionarsko rudarsko topioničarsko industrijsko društvo) as FK Sartid. At the beginning, FK Sartid's roster was mostly filled with professional players from Hungary, Austria and Germany and the club failed to make much noise in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia's football scene. Then in 1944, it was essentially disbanded by Yugoslavia's new communist authorities following the end of World War II, along with the entire Sartid factory whose property was nationalized.

Though it is not certain if what followed can be viewed in continuity with FK Sartid, many fans consider it to be a part of club's history, so depending on one's opinion, either a new club appeared or the name was simply changed to FK Metalac in 1944.

The following period was marked by numerous name changes. Two years later in 1946 the name was switched to FK Jedinstvo, and it lasted only three years until 1949 when it was changed to FK Smederevo.

Sartid crest (1992–2004)

In 1958, FK Smederevo merged with FK Metalac to form OFK Budućnost, the name that stuck around until 1962 when it was switched back to FK Smederevo. That setup lasted until 1967, when the club became FK Metalurg.

In 1976, the name was switched to FK Smederevo for the third time, lasting until the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1992.

All throughout this 48-year period, the club toiled in lower leagues (Serbian regional league, etc.).

FK Sartid was reborn in 1992 when Sartid metallurgical concern took over the club's ownership and sponsorship, and promptly switched to its original name. The renaissance commenced immediately as the club went from Smederevo Zone League to Yugoslav First League in six seasons. The 1998–99 campaign will go down in history as the club's first in top flight. The club's success in this period was tied to their main board president Dušan Matković. In addition to his position at FK Sartid, Matković was also a high-ranking official of Slobodan Milošević's party SPS as well as Minister of Industry in the government of Mirko Marjanović. The allegations that the club was involved in various illegal and irregular activities, and also protected from persecution because of their powerful benefactor, during this period are numerous.

After losing the national cup final to Crvena Zvezda in 2002, the club won the competition against the same opponent in 2003.[1] In the summer of 2004, the club changed its name back to FK Smederevo.[2][3]

The most noted player is former team captain Goran Bogdanović. He retired after the 2003–04 season.[4]

In summer 2014, FK Smederevo merged with FK Seljak from Mihajlovac to form FK Semendrija 1924. In January 2015, the club changed its name to FK Smederevo 1924. They finished 7th in the 2014–15 Serbian League West.[5]

In the 2018–19 season FK Smederevo 1924 finished first in the Serbian League West and were promoted to the Serbian First League.

In the 2022–23 season FK Smederevo 1924 won the Serbian League West and were promoted to the Serbian First League again.

Names of the club through history

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Year Club
1924–1944 FK Sartid Smederevo
1944–1946 FK Metalac Smederevo
1946–1949 FD Jedinstvo Smederevo
1949–1952 ŽSD Smederevo
1952–1958 FK Smederevo
1958–1962 OFK Budućnost Smederevo – fusion FK Smederevo and FK Metalac
1962–1967 FK Smederevo
1967–1976 FK Metalurg Smederevo
1976–1992 FK Smederevo
1992–2004 FK Sartid Smederevo
2004–2014 FK Smederevo
2014–2015 FK Semendrija 1924 Smederevo – fusion FK Smederevo and FK Seljak Mihajlovac
2015– FK Smederevo 1924

European seasons

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2001–02

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The trio of Nenad Mirosavljević (15 league goals), Vladimir Mudrinić (earned a mid-season move to Zenit Saint Petersburg) and Goran Bogdanović led the way on pitch during 2001–02 campaign that, among other things, will be remembered for the absence of now customary mid-season Sartid coaching changes. Head coach Jovica Škoro confidently guided his team to a 3rd place league finish and a Yugoslav Cup final where they were unlucky to lose to the more experienced Red Star side.

On the European front, Sartid competed in UEFA Intertoto Cup where they recorded a memorable first round win versus Dundee (0–0 away, 5–2 at home before 16,000 fans). Unfortunately, the journey ended in second round versus an experienced TSV 1860 München side featuring veterans Thomas Häßler and Vidar Riseth (1–3 away, 2–3 at home).

2002–03

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The year that started off in high style almost turned sour towards the end with a string of poor results that sent the team spiraling down the table. Management reacted quickly, sacking coach Škoro in April,[6] and bringing in Milenko Kiković for his second stint with the club.[7] The move paid immediate dividends and relegation was avoided comfortably. And if that wasn't enough cause for celebration, Sartid managed to beat Crvena Zvezda 1–0 in Serbia and Montenegro Cup final at Partizan Stadium, achieving the club's greatest success in history.[8]

Similarly to Sartid's domestic campaign, the year in Europe started off glowingly. They quickly disposed of Welsh side Bangor City to reach the UEFA Cup first round where Ipswich Town was waiting. The hopes were further raised following a favourable away result 1–1, meaning they just needed to keep a clean sheet at home to progress.[9] However, the combination of Marcus Bent converting an early 9th-minute penalty and Sartid failing to score for the remainder of the match spelled painful elimination.[10]

2003–04

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The 2003–04 campaign was another fairly stable season in top league result wise. Though as usual not on the coaching front. New head coach Ratko Dostanić, brought in before the season, started off tremendously. In UEFA Cup, he led the squad to a memorable win in a tie against Sarajevo. With Dostanić firmly in charge, Sartid's form continued in the domestic league, too. At the midway point of the season Sartid was sitting in third place, just behind Belgrade powerhouses Crvena Zvezda and Partizan. During the winter break, Dostanić wanted the team captain Goran Bogdanović promoted to the role of technical director, but new club president Thomas Kelly would have none of it so Dostanić decided to leave.[11][12] In January 2004, Zvonko Varga was appointed as a new coach,[13] but he left the club after only few matches. Afterwards, old face Milenko Kiković was brought back to coach and he managed to complete a successful season for the club.

2004–05

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The following 2004–05 season was not nearly as happy. It started off alright with demolition of lowly Andorran side Sant Julià in Intertoto Cup first round, but the painful next round exit at the hands of Dinamo Minsk turned out to be ominous. All throughout the domestic campaign Smederevo battled relegation threat. During the winter break coach Kiković resigned leaving the team in 10th place with 17 points. New head coach Tomislav Sivić managed to narrowly keep the club in top flight.

2005–06

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The 2005–06 season has been another difficult one for the club. The embarrassing Intertoto Cup first round exit to Prilep's Pobeda was a sign of things to come. After managing only 13 points from 11 league matches, head coach Tomislav Sivić resigned on 1 November 2005 in the wake of the team's third straight league loss. Following a period under a caretaker, club appointed Spaniard Jaume Bauzà on 28 November 2005. Though the team's overall play somewhat improved, it was enough to avoid relegation at the end of the season.

Season-by-season record

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Key

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Champions † Runners-up ‡ Promoted ↑ Relegated ↓

Seasons

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Domestic and international results of Smederevo
Season League Cup Europe
Division Pos P W D L F A Pts
1996–97 Div 2 ↑ 1st † 34 26 4 4 77 20 82 — —
1997–98 Div 1B ↑ 2nd ‡ 33 19 6 8 46 23 63 QF —
1998–99 Div 1 9th 24 7 9 8 24 27 30 QF —
1999–00 Div 1 16th 40 14 8 18 42 47 50 R2 —
2000–01 Div 1 4th 34 17 3 14 49 47 54 R2 —
2001–02 Div 1 3rd 34 17 7 10 46 36 58 F UEFA Intertoto Cup – R2
2002–03 Div 1 11th 34 10 15 9 44 44 45 W UEFA Cup – R1
2003–04 Div 1 5h 30 14 7 9 43 36 49 R2 UEFA Cup – R1
2004–05 Div 1 10th 30 9 10 11 28 36 37 QF UEFA Intertoto Cup – R2
2005–06 Div 1 11th 30 11 6 13 30 37 39 QF UEFA Intertoto Cup – R1
2006–07 Div 1 8th 30 12 7 13 33 40 43 R1 —
2007–08 Div 1 ↓ 10th 33 10 6 17 33 44 36 R2 —
2008–09 Div 2 ↑ 2nd ‡ 34 19 9 6 47 24 66 QF —
2009–10 Div 1 10th 30 8 10 12 23 30 34 QF —
2010–11 Div 1 10th 30 8 11 11 24 31 35 R2 —
2011–12 Div 1 13th 30 9 2 19 22 42 29 QF —
2012–13 Div 1 ↓ 16th 30 3 6 21 18 53 15 R2 —
2013–14 Div 2 ↓ 16th 30 8 7 15 26 38 31 R1 —
2014–15 Div 3 7th 30 12 8 10 39 35 44 PR —
2015–16 Div 3 3rd 30 16 4 10 46 33 52 — —
2016–17 Div 3 7th 30 11 6 13 33 27 39 — —
2017–18 Div 3 3rd 34 19 7 8 60 31 64 — —
2018–19 Div 3 ↑ 1st † 30 19 8 3 46 18 64[a] — —
2019–20 Div 2 ↓ 16th 30 9 5 16 27 47 22[b] — —
2020–21 Div 3 6th 34 15 8 11 53 40 53 R1 —
2021–22 Div 3 6th 30 13 9 8 51 34 48 — —
2022–23 Div 3 ↑ 1st † 30 24 5 1 62 17 77 — —
2023–24 Div 2 37 R2 —

UEFA competitions

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Season Competition Round Country Club Home Away Aggregate
2001–02 Intertoto Cup R1 Scotland Dundee 5–2 0–0 5–2
R2 Germany 1860 München 2–3 1–3 3–6
2002–03 UEFA Cup QR Wales Bangor City 2–0 0–1 2–1
R1 England Ipswich Town 0–1 1–1 1–2
2003–04 UEFA Cup QR Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarajevo 3–0 1–1 4–1
R1 Czech Republic Slavia Praha 1–2 1–2 2–4
2004–05 Intertoto Cup R1 Andorra Sant Julià 3–0 8–0 11–0
R2 Belarus Dinamo Minsk 1–3 2–1 3–4
2005–06 Intertoto Cup R1 North Macedonia Pobeda 0–1 1–2 1–3

Stadium

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Main article: Smederevo Stadium

Smederevo's stadium, its unofficial and popular name is The Fortress,[14] is one of the most modern stadiums in Serbia. The stadium can hold up to 17,200 spectators. It also has one of the best pitches in the country. It was first built in 1930, but it was greatly expanded into a modern-day stadium in 2000.

The unofficial name of the stadium is based on one of the biggest fortresses in Europe that is located in Smederevo.[15]

Supporters

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The supporters of FK Smederevo are known as Despoti (The Despots).[16] The name is based on a famous ruler of medieval Serbia Đurađ Branković and his title of Despot.

Current squad

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As of 16 February 2024[17]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK Serbia SRB Strahinja Jović
2 DF Serbia SRB Veljko Đokić
4 DF Serbia SRB Aleksa Jovanović
5 DF Serbia SRB Miroljub Kostić (captain)
7 MF Serbia SRB Vojislav Balabanović
8 MF Serbia SRB Jasin Rašljanin
9 FW Serbia SRB Boris Krstić
10 MF Serbia SRB Miloš Milisavljević
11 DF Serbia SRB Aleksa Marković
12 GK Serbia SRB Aleksandar Stanković (on loan from Železničar Pančevo)
13 MF Serbia SRB Luka Janković
14 DF Canada CAN Kai Tucker
15 DF Serbia SRB Nikola Ignjatović
16 FW Serbia SRB Danijel Avramović
17 MF Serbia SRB Miloš Đokić
No. Pos. Nation Player
18 MF Serbia SRB Đorđe Popović
19 DF Serbia SRB Luka Luković
20 MF Serbia SRB Đorđe Jovanović
21 MF Serbia SRB Đorđe Mitić
22 MF Serbia SRB Mateja Bačanin
23 DF Serbia SRB Aleksandar Vidović
24 MF Serbia SRB Lazar Marković
25 FW Nigeria NGA Andy Oregbe Ogede
26 FW Serbia SRB Krsta Đorđević
27 FW Serbia SRB Veljko Vukojević
28 MF Montenegro MNE Petar Mališić
29 MF Serbia SRB Vuk Mitošević
30 DF Serbia SRB Nemanja Vidojević
31 GK Serbia SRB Vukašin Đorđević

Out on loan

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Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
— DF Serbia SRB Uroš Cvetković (at Mladi Radnik until 31 December 2024)

Club officials

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Coaching staff

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Position Name
Manager Serbia Jovan Golić
Assistant manager Serbia Branko Mihajlović
Fitness coach Serbia Filip Stojanović
Goalkeeping coach Serbia Rajko Ivanović
Physiotherapist Serbia Milanče Raičković
Analyst Coach Serbia Vladimir Kožul
Economic Serbia Vladimir Osmanović
Club president Serbia Časlav Ilić
Sporting director Serbia Vladimir Simović
General secretary Serbia Marjan Milenković

Notable players

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Below are the notable players who have represented the club in national and international competitions since the club's foundation in 1924. To appear in the section below, a player must have played in at least 100 league matches for the club, at least 50 league matches for the club and have at least 1 appearance for their national team, or have at least 5 appearances for their national team.

Rank. Player Period Apps Goals Int. Apps Int. Goals
1 Serbia Milorad Zečević 2000–2010 240 39 n/a
2 Serbia Saša Kocić 1995–2001; 2002–2006 224 18 n/a
3 Serbia Dejan Ranković 2000–2001; 2002–2012 180 0 n/a
4 Serbia Dejan Živković 2006–2013 166 16 n/a
5 Serbia Marko Sočanac 2000–2008 166 2 n/a
6 Serbia Dragan Radosavljević 2000–2006; 2007–2008; 2013 157 11 n/a
7 Serbia Vladimir Mudrinić 2000–2001; 2003–2004; 2006–2008 148 30 n/a
8 Serbia Nenad Mirosavljević 2000–2004; 2007 130 63 n/a
9 Serbia Dragan Ćeran 2005–2011 129 18 n/a
10 Serbia Ivan Milosavljević 2010–2012; 2015–2019 129 1 n/a
11 Serbia and Montenegro Dragan Paunović 2000–2006 114 2 n/a
12 Serbia Dragan Žilić 2001–2005 112 0 8 0
13 Serbia and Montenegro Goran Bogdanović 2000–2004 105 7 n/a
14 Serbia Željko Kovačević 2003–2007; 2009 104 3 n/a
15 Serbia Saša Antunović 1998–2002; 2004 102 21 n/a
16 Serbia Dejan Kekezović 2002–2006 102 3 n/a
17 Serbia Nenad Mladenović 2006–2010 92 21 1 0
18 Serbia and Montenegro Boris Vasković 2000–2003 92 4 3 0
19 Serbia Saša Zorić 2003–2006 63 7 2 0
20 Montenegro Dejan Ognjanović 2010–2012 45 2 7[c] 0
21 Serbia Marko Pantelić 2003 31 13 43 10
22 North Macedonia Blaže Georgioski 1998–1999 23 1 7 0
23 Serbia Mateja Kežman 1998 14 4 49 17
24 Serbia Goran Trobok 2017 14 0 10 0
25 Liberia Omega Roberts 2012–2013 14 0 8 1
26 Serbia Ivan Radovanović 2007 13 0 10 0
27 North Macedonia Vlade Lazarevski 2012 13 0 43 0

For a list of all Smederevo players with a Wikipedia article, please see: Category:FK Smederevo 1924 players.

Managerial history

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Honours

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Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors

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Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor
2001–2003 NAAI SARTID
2003–2004 USS
2005–2011 Nike
2012 City of Smederevo
2012–2014 NAAI None

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Sartid osvojio Kup Srbije i Crne Gore!" (in Serbian). b92.net. 30 May 2003. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  2. ^ "FK Sartid menja ime u FK Smederevo" (in Serbian). b92.net. 7 July 2004. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  3. ^ "Sartid revert to Smederevo". uefa.com. 26 July 2004. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  4. ^ "Oproštajna utakmica Gorana Bogdanovića" (in Serbian). b92.net. 30 July 2004. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  5. ^ "Srpska liga Zapad - Rezultati".
  6. ^ "Škoro quits Sartid". uefa.com. 20 April 2003. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  7. ^ "Kikovic glad of second chance". uefa.com. 23 April 2003. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  8. ^ "Pantelic strike seals it for Sartid". uefa.com. 30 May 2003. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  9. ^ "Sartid hold Ipswich". bbc.co.uk. 19 September 2002. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  10. ^ "Ipswich overcome Sartid". guardian.co.uk. 3 October 2002. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  11. ^ "B92: Dostanić napustio Sartid" (in Serbian). b92.net. 23 December 2003. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  12. ^ "Dostanic quits at Sartid". uefa.com. 24 December 2003. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  13. ^ "Varga faces Sartid challenge". uefa.com. 6 January 2004. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  14. ^ "SRBIJA DOBIJA JOŠ JEDAN FUDBALSKI OBJEKAT ZA PONOS: "Tvrđava" u potpuno novom ruhu? (VIDEO)". Republika.rs | Srpski telegraf (in Serbian). 3 May 2023. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
  15. ^ Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Smederevo Fortress". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
  16. ^ FANATIK: Kup je praznik za Ultrase! at mozzartsport.com, 24 September 2014, Retrieved 19 April 2016 (in Serbian)
  17. ^ Igrači at fksmederevo1924.rs, 5 August 2024 (in Serbian)
  1. ^ 1 point deducted by FA
  2. ^ 10 point deducted by FA
  3. ^ 2 international apps for FR Yugoslavia and 5 for Montenegro
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