OFI Crete take on experienced Czech coach

Greek First Division side OFI Crete appointed seasoned Czech coach Frantisek Straka on Tuesday on a one year contract it was announced by the Czech Football Federation (CMFS).

The 50-year-old former Czechoslovakian international – who was part of the side that reached the last eight of the 1990 World Cup finals where they were beaten by eventual champions West Germany – said he was looking forward to the experience.

“It is going to be a new and interesting experience, in the country who are presently the European champions” said Straka, who was capped 35 times between 1983 and 1990.

Straka, who was a pillar of the Sparta Prague defence in the 1980's before departing for spells with German sides including Borussia Moenchengladbach and Hansa Rostock, formerly coached FK Teplice, Sparta Prague, Viktoria Pilsen and Austrian duo FC Tyrol and Innsbruck.

OFI finished 12th in the 16 team Greek championship last term when they were coached by Giorgos Paraschos.