Guria Lanchkhuti
Founded1924
GroundEvgrapi Shevardnadze Stadium, Lanchkhuti, Georgia
Capacity4,500 (3,030 seats)
PresidentSaba Japharidze
Head CoachAleksandre Koshkadze
LeagueLiga 3
2023Liga 3, 9th of 16

FC Guria is a Georgian association football club from Lanchkhuti, which competes in Liga 3, the third tier of the national league.

Being one of the strongest Georgian teams in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Guria played in the Soviet Top league, and also won the national Cup. They later played fifteen seasons in the Umaglesi Liga, twice claiming silver medals.

History

Early period

Formed in 1924[1] as FC Kimi, the team ceased to exist after the start of World War 2 and resumed functioning in 1952 under the name "Kolmeurne".

In 1960 the club was renamed as Guria. The next year they gained a first title by becoming champions of the republican league. During the subsequent decade the team won the Georgian Cup three times and the domestic league two more times, in 1966 and 1971, which enabled them to advance to the Soviet Association football.[2]

1972–1979: in the Soviet second league

Starting from 1972 Guria played in the Second League, the third tier of the Soviet football league, for seven years.

In II league after each season
YEARMWDLGF–GAPtsFP
1972361271746-493113th
1973341351652-52318th
19743810171156-533711th
1975341851162-47413rd
1976382110767-34521st*
1977422271391-57514th
19784624111182-48592nd
19794631411110-50661st

*Note: Lost promotion play-offs to Uralmash Sverdlovsk

Overall results shown by Guria in II League are the following:

MWDLGF–GA
3141516697566:390

Guria's remarkable progress was largely attributed to Shalva Kakabadze, who worked as head coach for record twenty years continuously from 1959 until 1980, and local government chairman Evgrapi Shevardnadze, brother of the Soviet Communist Party leader in Georgia Eduard Shevardnadze.[3]

1980-1986: Road to the top flight

After the winning season in 1979 Guria were promoted to the First League, where they played for another seven consecutive years. 

In I League after each season
YEARMWDLGF–GAPtsFP
19804618101868-734611th
19814616131750-564414th
1982421572048-673718th
1983421941952-71429th
19844216101649-524210th
1985381571650-523717th
1986462851380-66611st

Source

The very fact of promotion to the Soviet Top League for the team representing a provincial town seemed amazing. Football fervour around Guria grew so high that in most cases not a single seat was available during their matches and some youngsters would climb up trees around the stadium to watch their favourite team. The pitch invasion during the 2–1 win over fierce rivals FC Daugava Riga resulted in disqualification of the stadium for three matches. For this reason the final home game of the season against Yuri Semin's Lokomotive Moscow (1-0) was held in Batumi in front of 20,000 spectators.[4]

Under head coach Begi Sikharulidze some players especially contributed to this huge achievement:[5] Besik Pridonashvili with all 46 games played and 27 goals scored; Teimuraz Chkhaidze - 44 (8); Murman Akopian - 43 (7); Badri Danelia - 43 (1); Levan Melikia - 41; Vakhtang Kopaleishvili - 40 (16); Sergey Shvetsov - 40 (1); Enuki Tevzadze - 39 (5); Tariel Ebanoidze - 37 (1); Gigla Imnadze - 36; Alexander Kondratiev - 36; Merab Tevzadze - 30 (1); Gia Giligashvili - 26; Karlo Mchedlidze - 12; Davit Ugrelidze - 11 (5).

1987: the Top league

Straight away after the promotion the football ground underwent a significant reconstruction and eventually the capacity of stadium in a town with 9,021 residents as of 1987 reached 22,000.[6]

Between 1983/84 and 1987/88 seasons the USSR occupied a second place after Italy in UEFA ranking,[7] therefore, the Soviet Top League was a tough challenge for Guria. Being regarded as a decent home team, Guria beat Kairat Alma-Ata 2–0, Neftchi 1–0, Dinamo Minsk 2–1, Dinamo Moscow 2-1 and Ararat Yerevan 2–0, also played goalless draws against Dinamo Kiev, Dinamo Tbilisi and future bronze medal holders Zalgiris, although poor results in away games doomed the club for relegation.

1988-89: Promotion battles

Guria did not succeed in a new promotion attempt, finishing in the 4th place in 1988, but the team still made headlines with a shock victory over Dinamo Kiev (2-1) in the Cup 1/16 finals.[8] The next year the Gurians once again displayed their powerful home run by winning all 21 games held in Lanchkhuti and earned a place in the Soviet Top League as runners-up of the 1989 season.[9]

However, Guria were no longer destined to play again in the Soviet championship. On 15 February 1990 Georgian Football Federation made a decision to break away from the Soviet Football Federation, withdraw all the teams from the Soviet leagues and form its own national championship with immediate effect.[10]

Since 1990: Georgian leagues

By entering Umaglesi Liga competition a new stage opened up for Guria. First several years they remained high-flying, winning the Georgian Cup title in 1990[11] and silver medals in 1990 and 1991. Later the decline started which saw the club moving up and down the first three divisions several times.

Their very name was subjected to changes, becoming Guria-Lokomotive-2 after the merger with Locomotive's reserve team in 2001, and Guria-2000 in 2008. In 2009 the team regained their popular name.

In the 2016 season Guria played in the top Georgian division, but within two years they slumped to Liga 3. Although the team managed to go up for 2019, their tenure there did not last longer than one season.

Throughout the shortened 2020 season Guria appeared poised for promotion. Yet, decisive last two games lost to direct rivals spelled failure for their main goal.[12] In contrast, a year later the team mostly stayed inside the drop zone, although due to the points picked up close to the end they barely escaped yet another relegation.

Seasons

Season League Pos P W D L GF GA Pts Cup
1987 Soviet Top League 16 305817 183818
1988 Soviet First League 4 4223712 714453
1989 Soviet First League 2 422796 783963
1990 Umaglesi Liga 2 342266 732072 Winner
1991 Umaglesi Liga 2 191441 381546
1991/92 Umaglesi Liga 4 3822313 895669 Round of 16
1992/93 Umaglesi Liga 12 3212218 375738 Round of 16
1993/94 Umaglesi Liga West 2 14905 362227 Quarterfinals
Champ.Group 7 185211 305017
1994/95 Umaglesi Liga 13 308616 368130 Quarterfinals
1995/96 Umaglesi Liga 13 309021 357427 Round of 32
1996/97 Umaglesi Liga 13 3010317 336333 Round of 16
1997/98 Umaglesi Liga 14 306915 305827 Round of 16
1998/99 Umaglesi Liga 16 303423 348713 Round of 32
1999/00 Pirveli Liga A 8 227114 364522 Round of 16
2000/01 Pirveli Liga 3 221255 312541 Fourth round
Champ.Group 1
2001/02 Umaglesi Liga 10 223613 144415 Quarterfinals
2002/03 Pirveli Liga 12 309714 324434 Second round
2003/04 Pirveli Liga 10 3013611 383745 First round
2004/05 Pirveli Liga 10 3010812 304538 First round
2005/06 Pirveli Liga 9 3414515 504747 Round of 32
2006/07 Pirveli Liga 15 348719 367631 First round
2007/08 Meore Liga West 2 221561 491751
2008/09 Pirveli Liga 6 14725 242123 Round of 16
2009/10 Pirveli Liga 4 281657 533253 First round
2010/11 Pirveli Liga 6 3214414 505946 First round
2011/12 Pirveli Liga B 2 181233 411539 Round of 32
2012/13 Pirveli Liga A 1 332742 862085 Quarterfinals
2013/14 Umaglesi Liga 6 3212020 315336 Round of 16
2014/15 Umaglesi Liga 9 3010911 384339 Round of 32
2015/16 Umaglesi Liga 11 306915 284927 Round of 16
2016 Umaglesi Liga White 6 12327 82111 Round of 16
2017 Erovnuli Liga 2 8[lower-alpha 1] 3611421 476837 Round of 16
2018 Liga 3 3[lower-alpha 2] 3821107 593173 Round of 8
2019 Erovnuli Liga 2 8[lower-alpha 3] 3610620 396436 Round of 16
2020 Liga 3 5 18828 263026 First round
2021 11 268513 334429 Third round
2022 12 3011415 424937 Quarterfinals
2023 9 3011613 445539 Third round
  1. Lost to Telavi 2–3 on aggregate in play-offs
  2. Beat Samgurali on away goals in play-offs
  3. Lost to Aragvi 1–2 on aggregate in play-offs

Overall, seasons spent in Georgian leagues since 1990:

Umaglesi Liga (1st tier): 15

Pirveli Liga / Erovnuli Liga 2 (2nd tier): 14

Meore Liga / Liga 3 (3rd tier): 6

Correct up to 2023 season

Club honours

  • Georgian Soviet Championship:
    • Winners: 1961, 1966, 1971
    • Runners-up: 1960
  • Georgian Soviet Cup:
    • Winners: 1965, 1966, 1971

Personal honours

In early 2020, by decree of the Georgian Ministry of Sport Begi Sikharulidze, Teimuraz Chkhaidze and Gigla Imnadze were awarded the Knight of Sport title for their distinguished contribution to Guria's victorious season in 1986.[13]

A year later Begi Sikharulidze was awarded the title Honorary Citizen of Lanchkhuti.[14]

Current squad

As of 28 April 2023[15] 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 Georgia (country) GEO Sandro Zuroshvili
2 DF Georgia (country) GEO Beka Rurua
3 DF Georgia (country) GEO Beka Beridze
5 DF Georgia (country) GEO Dimitri Virubovi (C)
6 MF Georgia (country) GEO Luka Sigua
7 MF Georgia (country) GEO Levan Khidesheli
8 MF Georgia (country) GEO Giorgi Alimbarashvili
9 FW Georgia (country) GEO Vakhtang Tabidze
10 MF Georgia (country) GEO Amiran Aladashvili
11 FW Georgia (country) GEO Lasha Akhalaia
No. Pos. Nation Player
13 DF Georgia (country) GEO Sandro Bakhia
15 MF Belarus BLR Dzmitry Rekish
17 MF Georgia (country) GEO Levan Vardiashvili
18 FW Georgia (country) GEO Tornike Mumladze
20 MF   Lukas Meurer
22 DF Russia RUS Igor Khaymanov
23 MF Georgia (country) GEO Gegi Alasania
33 DF Georgia (country) GEO Giorgi Beraia
38 GK Georgia (country) GEO Luka Kakulia
40 MF Georgia (country) GEO Davit Jikia

Former players

Topscorers by season

Season Name Goals
1966–67 Georgia (country) Omar Pertenava 16
1967–68 Georgia (country) Vakhtang Dzidziguri 23
1968–69 Georgia (country) Vakhtang Dzidziguri 17
1969–70 Georgia (country) Vakhtang Dzidziguri 18
1970–71 Georgia (country) Vakhtang Dzidziguri 39
1971–72 Georgia (country) Vakhtang Dzidziguri 13
1972–73 Georgia (country) Joni Abaishvili 19
1973–74 Georgia (country) Vakhtang Dzidziguri 15
1974–75 Georgia (country) Revaz Sanaia 25
1975–76 Georgia (country) Besik Mchedlishvili 20
1976–77 Moldova Vasil Troian 18
1977–78 Moldova Vasil Troian 15
1978–79 Georgia (country) Merab Megreladze 26
1979–80 Georgia (country) Merab Megreladze 20
1980–81 Georgia (country) Merab Megreladze 11
1981–82 Georgia (country) Temur Ebanoidze 9
1982–83 Georgia (country) Murtaz Akophiani 14
1983–84 Georgia (country) Vakhtang Kopaleishvili 13
1984–85 Georgia (country) Gia Tkebuchava 11
1985–86 Georgia (country) Besik Phridonashvili 27
1986–87 Ukraine Viktor Khlus 5
1987–88 Ukraine Viktor Khlus 21
1988–89 Georgia (country) Merab Zhordania 25
1989–90 Georgia (country) Otar Korghalidze 21
1990–91 Georgia (country) Otar Korghalidze 14
1991–92 Georgia (country) Otar Korghalidze 40

Managers

  • Georgia (country) Givi Imnaishvili (1952–53)
  • Georgia (country) Vladimer Narimanidze (1954–55)
  • Russia Viktor Berezhnoi (1956)
  • Georgia (country) Boris Chitaia (1957–58)
  • Georgia (country) Shalva Kakabadze (1959–79)
  • Georgia (country) Aleqsandre Kotrikadze (1980)
  • Georgia (country) Murtaz Khurtsilava (1981–82)
  • Georgia (country) Shalva Kakabadze (1983–84)
  • Georgia (country) Begi Sikharulidze (1985–86)
  • Georgia (country) Aleqsandre Kotrikadze (1986)
  • Ukraine Mykhaylo Fomenko (1987–90)
  • Georgia (country) Gigla Imnadze (1990)
  • Georgia (country) Murtaz Khurtsilava (1990–93)
  • Georgia (country) Teimuraz Chkhiadze (1993–94)
  • Georgia (country) Gigla Imnadze (1994–95)
  • Georgia (country) Begi Sikharulidze (1995–96)
  • Russia Boris Dudarov (1996)
  • Georgia (country) Gigla Imnadze (1996–97)
  • Georgia (country) Gia Tavadze (1997)
  • Georgia (country) Avtandil Nariashvili (Aug 1997–??)
  • Georgia (country) Davit Makharadze (22 July 2013– 18 September 2013)
  • Ukraine Roman Pokora (Sep – Dec 2013)
  • Georgia (country) Davit Makharadze (Jan - Aug 2014)
  • Georgia (country) Temur Loria (Aug 2014 - Apr 2015)
  • Georgia (country) Gigla Imnadze (Apr - May 2015)
  • Georgia (country) Kakha Gogichaishvili (Aug - Sep 2015)
  • Azerbaijan Badri Kvaratskhelia (Sep 2015)
  • Georgia (country) Gia Chkhaidze (Oct - Dec 2015)
  • Russia Viktor Demidov (Feb - Apr 2016)
  • Georgia (country) Temur Makharadze (Apr- Aug 2016)
  • Ukraine Oleh Leshchinskiy (Aug - Nov 2016)
  • Georgia (country) Gigla Imnadze (Mar - May 2017)
  • Georgia (country) Gia Guruli (May - Oct 2017)
  • Georgia (country) Davit Makharadze (Oct 2017 Aug 2018)
  • Georgia (country) Giorgi Oniani (Aug - Oct 2018)
  • Georgia (country) Giga Imedaishvili (Oct - Dec 2018)
  • Georgia (country) Tengiz Pataraia (Mar - Apr 2019)
  • Georgia (country) Giga Imedaishvili (May 2019)
  • Georgia (country) Gela Sanaia (May - Aug 2019)
  • Georgia (country) Giorgi Chkhaidze (Aug 2019)
  • Georgia (country) Temur Loria (Sep 2019 - Mar 2020)
  • Georgia (country) Levan Khomeriki/Ivane Makharadze (Apr 2020 - Feb 2021)
  • Georgia (country) Giga Imedaishvili (Feb - Sep 2021)
  • Georgia (country) Giorgi Oniani (Oct 2021 – Jul 2022)
  • Georgia (country) Gigla Imnadze (Aug – Dec 2022)
  • Georgia (country) Davit Dighmelashvili (Jan – May 2023)

References

  1. "Georgia - List of Foundation Dates".
  2. Football 1987. Tbilisi: Georgian Federation of Sport reporters. p. 92.
  3. ""ჩვენ ორნი ვართ ქვეყანაზე _ მე და ევგრაფ შევარდნაძე!"". gurianews.com (in Georgian). 25 January 2012.
  4. ""რას ხედავ, ბიძია, მაქედან?!" _ ლანჩხუთის "გურიას" იუბილე". gurianews.com (in Georgian). 13 November 2011.
  5. "Guria in 1986". teams.by.
  6. "Первый чисто футбольный стадион в Высшей лиге СССР построили только в 1987-м (за два месяца!). Вы ни за что не угадаете, в каком городе". sports.ru (in Russian) 23 April 2020.
  7. "UEFA ranking". mogiel.net.
  8. "USSR 1988-89 Cup". wildstat.com.
  9. "The Soviet First league in 1989". soccer365.ru.
  10. "Грузия и Литва после обретения самостоятельности". ua.tribuna.com (in Russian) 23 March 2020.
  11. "როგორ მოიპოვა ლანჩხუთელთა საყვარელმა გუნდმა "გურიის" სახელწოდება". gurianews.com (in Georgian). 16 March 2016.
  12. "Liga 3 results in 2020". gff.ge.
  13. ""სპორტის რაინდები" _ ლანჩხუთელთა გასული წლის საფეხბურთო აღიარება". gurianews.com (in Georgian). 10 January 2020.
  14. "„გურიას" ლეგენდას ლანჩხუთის საპატიო მოქალაქის წოდება მიენიჭა". gurianews.com (in Georgian). 15 January 2021.
  15. "Guria squad". soccerway.com.
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