Tirsense

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Tirsense (pron. IPA: [tiɾ.'sẽ.sɨ]) or officially Futebol Clube Tirsense is one of the historic football clubs of Portugal, having been positioned 13th place in a popularity poll for Portuguese clubs some years ago. Founded in 5-1-1938, based on a club called Ponte Velha - a place in the city near to the location of the stadium - they play at the Estádio Abel Alves de Figueiredo[1], in the city of Santo Tirso.

The club's finest hour came without doubt in 1948/49 when, under the management of Pinga, they knocked the all-conquering Sporting Clube de Portugal side of the "Five Violins" out of the Portuguese Cup with a 2-1 victory. In 1994/95 they finished eighth (one win away from a UEFA CUP position) in the First Division, their highest-ever position. The following year however, they were relegated, in the first of four consecutive demotions, dropping from the main championship in 1996 to the regional championships in 1999. The following year the club was promoted to the Third Division, where it stayed ever since. In spite of this, Tirsense has a usual attendance of 1500 - 2000, probably the best in Portuguese non-professional championships.

Assuming an amateur status since 2004, the club is making a successful task honouring debts, and aspires to make a comeback to the top in a near future.

Marcelo, who already played in the FA Premier League) along with Emerson Thomé (better known in Portugal as Paredão), and also Everton Giovanella (Celta Vigo) are the most internationally known former club players. Recent names like Caetano, Rui Manuel or Batista are also well remembered by the fans. From the more distant years, António Luís and Festa (former Portuguese international) are some of the most sounding names. Heitor (Vitória de Setúbal) is the most recent First Division player who played for Tirsense.

Tirsense is currently coached by Valério Pereira, having substituted Américo Soares in November 2005 (both of them former club players). Suleimane - a malian left winger - is both top goalscorer and the most important player in the roster today.

The club is currently presided by Carlos Manuel Marques Pinto

2005/2006 Roster

1 Juliano Goalkeeper 2 Barroso Right 3 Sílvio Central defender 4 Hugo Cruz Central midfielder (sub-captain) 5 Miguel Winger 6 Vilaça Left back / midfielder 7 Marco Louçano Right back / central midfielder (captain) 8 Pinto Central midfielder 9 Álvaro Right back / Midfielder 10 Eduardo Left back 11 Zé Pedro Winger 12 Gil Central midfielder 13 Sérgio Goalkeeper 14 Tiago Winger 15 Pedro Fontes Left back / winger 16 Narciso Striker 17 Matos Goalkeeper 18 Christoph Central midfielder 19 Bruno Winger 20 Ramos Central defender / midfielder 22 Paulo Queirós Right back 23 Marcão Striker 24 Suleimane Winger 25 Moisés Central defender 26 Braga Central midfielder / winger

Titles won: 2nd Division champion (1969/70), Liga de Honra champion (1993/94), Oporto regional champion (1999/00)