Grigor Pasha writes: August 2021. Early in my third season at Neftochimic 1962. From the intake in the spring we signed six players.
Of these, at least four have been genuinely glistening.
First, the boy Slavov. He’s remarkably mature for a goalkeeper of his age — good, in particular, at making decisions. He’s already got a lot to his game, especially strength in air.
Who knows, he might over time even develop into a freekick-taker.
We’ve already started receiving bids for him from larger clubs. His predecessor Radev, from the previous year’s intake, also attracted early interest and we sold him to Levski.
But Slavov is better than Radev. Though it will be difficult, I want to hold on to him. He’s not too far off first team.
If I can’t hold onto him, I want to hold out for a serious price.
Then there’s the right-back, Deyan Georgiev.
We’ve sold him already, to Botev Plovdiv, though with a loan back for the season. He’s making our regular right-back, Beysim Beysim, sweat; Georgiev has started all three of our matches so far.
No doubt Beysim will break back into the team at some point, though when he does so he’ll know he’s under pressure to perform.
There’s much I like about Georgiev, not least his ability to stay switched on — something some of our players have lacked.
Next comes another Georgiev, Tihomir.
On signing from the intake, he went straight into the first-team and didn’t disappoint.
He has some technical ability already and a fine burst of pace.
In his career to date, he’s already made 6 starts and 4 appearances from the bench and has scored 3 goals.
Surprisingly, no club has yet shown interest in him. Long may that continue. he’s quite a loyal chap and I’d love him to become a regular here in Burgas.
Finally, the boy Dimitrov.
The type of player spectators love. Speed, flair, the ability to dribble, two-footed — great for the cameras. Work rate too: this lad’s no show pony.
We’re already getting bids for him. I don’t want bids: I want to watch the lad playing in my team.
So there you have it. No doubt we won’t be able to hold on to all three unsold players, but then at least we’ll be getting funds and, with luck, loan back.
Would love not to have to sell them all though.
