49 year old Italian Ricardo Cali was named the first manager of FC Dynamo Kemerovo today at a press conference held by JR Wellington Sports Management. Kemerovo will retain the services of interim manager Kirill Sokov, who will assist Cali as the Russian club approaches its first professional season. Cali has been coaching for the last 17 years, most recently managing an Italian B League club. He was a defender during his playing career, spending 3 of his 8 professional years in Russia.
Cali had this to say during the press conference: "I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead this club. I know the history and prestige associated with the JR Wellington name, and I hope that I can live up to those expectations."
Dynamo Kemerovo was purchased 8 months ago by JR Wellington Sports Management with the hopes of becoming a Russian League team this upcoming season. The club participated in Russian Division 4 Football for the last 12 years. However, with a new stadium nearing completion, and a proven management group at the helm, Kemerovo may be close to having a top level club. Russian League Deputy Commissioner Dmitri Zotkin called Kemerovo's chances for admittance "very promising", and suggested that Kemerovo fans may not need to wait long for Division I football.
In the mean time, FC Dynamo Kemerovo will continue their exhibition tour later this week in Germany against the Nitro Dragons.