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Where are they now? - Lubomir Guentchev

Where are they now? - Lubomir Guentchev

Sean Galea-Pace31 Aug 2017 - 12:45
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Recently, Danny Cook caught up with former Blues winger Lubomir Guentchev and found out what happened to him since he left Lowestoft.

Guentchev scored eight times from 40 appearances during the 2011/12 season, which was his only season at the club. He spoke to Danny about his time with the Trawlerboys.

What have you been up to since you left Lowestoft?

“I have been playing professional football, playing through all three divisions here in Bulgaria. I was in the top flight last year with FC Lokomotiv Gorna Oryahovitsa, now we are in the second division, as we got relegated last year and we are looking to get back into the flight once again.”

What’s the real difference to playing football in Bulgaria than in England?

“Obviously, every country has it’s own style, but I think it’s more technical here in Bulgaria. But it’s a lot more physical in the UK, whether it’s the Premier League or all the way down to the lower divisions.”

What standout memories do you have from your time at Lowestoft?

“The whole time I was at Lowestoft was one really good experience. It was one of my favourite times as a football player, even though it was at a semi-pro standard it was one of the most enjoyable times I have had. Obviously, there were other times like when I played for Chelsea’s academy and when I received my first professional contract at Union Berlin. Aside from those, Lowestoft was probably my happiest time as a football player. Even scoring some of my favourite goals for Lowestoft during my time there.”

If you could play with just one former Lowestoft player, who would it be?

“It is a very hard choice I can’t think of just one to pick. I played on the wings, so the people behind me, beside me and in front of me helped me be the player I was at Lowestoft. Whether it was the centre midfielders such as Andrew Fisk who did all the grinding in the midfield or Erkan Okay the right back at the time who just kept telling me to keep going forward, it all helped me. Then there was Matty Nolan upfront who could just hold the ball up forever, and when I made a run he could give it back to me as a one-two.

I can’t just pick one player to be honest, it was the whole team we had back then and there was no coincidence that we got to the play-offs so many times over the years. Even though I wasn’t there they got promoted, I was definitely rooting them on and always kept an eye out for Lowestoft”

If you had to pick a favourite game at Lowestoft what would it be?

“We did win the cup against Bury at Ipswich Town which is up there. But one of my favourite games, was the Ryman Premier play-offs final against Tonbridge Angels, which even though we lost 4-3 it’s a memory that I don’t think I will ever forget because I scored a goal to equalise 3-3 in roughly the 80th minute. Obviously, we went on to lose that game but it was a memory that is going to stick with me for a very long time because I was quite new at the club and it was surreal. There were other goals I scored during my time at Lowestoft but things like that stick in my memory even though as much as it was good, it was also bad.”

What attracted you to Lowestoft?

“It was actually Craig Fleming. I played for Hendon at the time and he was there for a game, he was interested in who I was and whether I’d be interested in coming to Lowestoft. Andy Reynolds the goalkeeper back then, was a close friend of mine and he was the link that brought me to the club. I was more than happy to come along and help as much as I can with the cause to try and get the club promoted and that was how it all kind of happened.”

What are you plans for the season ahead (if playing) or What are your plans for the future (stopped playing)

“I’m not the youngest of players nowadays, so you always have to keep one eye open on a target after football so to speak. I’ve got a degree in computers, I’m looking to start one more degree, so I will be studying at the same time as playing football full-time. I am going to be juggling both things and obviously keeping one eye on my career after football but I’m not 100% sure what it’s going to be yet but I will keep you updated.”

Thanks to Lubomir for a very interesting catch-up, his love of the club is still present today and still follows Lowestoft's results from Bulgaria. Lubo would like to wish the lads, Gary and the management all the best for the season ahead, and on behalf of everyone at LTFC, I’d like to wish Lubomir all the best for the coming season too.

Danny Cook.

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