Drogs go Russian!

**Rossi** · 23/01/2007, 7:18 PM

Taken from www.droghedaunited.ie

Drogheda United will travel to Marbella in Spain on the 10th February. During their week long stay they have lined up some interesting "Friendlies" as part of their extensive preseason training program.

On Tuesday 13th the club will face FC Sibir Novosibirsk who play in the Spartak Stadium in Novosibirsk and currently compete in the Russian First Division.

Friday 16th the Drogs will have a tough test when the face Russian premier side FC Zenit St Petersburg who currently lie 3rd in Russia's top division. Zenit are managed by the much travelled Dick Advocat and the experienced Dutchman took them to the quarter final of the 2005/06 UEFA Cup.

Speaking to DroghedaUnited.ie manager Paul Doolin explains his thinking behind playing these tough games. "You always get to know more about your players when you play tough opposition. You can choose to play games were you get nothing out of them or you can line up strong opposition that's a big test for everyone involved".

Doolin on FC Sibir Novosibirsk "I don't know much about them except for their a big physical side.This game will give me a good chance to involve the new faces that have come on board this year".

Doolin on FC Zenit St Petersburg " Zenit are a top, top side who have made a big impact on the Russian premier division. They had a good run in the UEFA Cup last year and I expect them to be one of the strongest teams that we have ever faced". He added "I expect that games like this will help me and the lads prepare for the long season ahead".

Drogheda will continue their preseason program when the face Dundalk in the Malone Cup on the 20th February.

**Hitman** · 23/01/2007, 10:38 PM

Originally Posted by Rossi

Doolin on FC Zenit St Petersburg " Zenit are a top, top side who have made a big impact on the Russian premier division. They had a good run in the UEFA Cup last year and I expect them to be one of the strongest teams that we have ever faced".

I can't believe he didn't avail of the opportunity to call them a "crack Eastern European outfit", he's never going to make it in management if he wastes chances like that.

**CollegeTillIDie** · 23/01/2007, 10:44 PM

Ah you got to love it Drogski!!

Is this a precursor to selling the club to a Russian billionaire?

I wonder

**DaveyCakes** · 23/01/2007, 11:31 PM

Did ye know that Novosibirsk is the third largest city in Russia?

**Dodge** · 24/01/2007, 12:59 AM

Pats are playing some team from Rostov. Finished 12th in the russian league last year

**The Sheliban** · 25/01/2007, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by DaveyCakes

Did ye know that Novosibirsk is the third largest city in Russia?

And its also the biggest kip I was ever in. During 5 months of the winter, the city lies under a blanket of smoke belched out by the heavy industry there. Or it did 20 years ago.

**MariborKev** · 25/01/2007, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

Pats are playing some team from Rostov. Finished 12th in the russian league last year

Rostov are the crowd that Wesley Charles was with when he was in Russia.

I saw them play Spartak in Moscow two years ago. They were nothing special though I remember they had a centre half who was Clive Delaney-esque(in height and talent.....)