Gostaresh Foulad F.C.
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| Full name | Gostaresh Foulad Tabriz Football Club | ||
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| Nickname(s) | The Blue Smiths | ||
| Founded | 2008; 7 years ago | ||
| Ground | Gostaresh Foulad Stadium, Tabriz | ||
| Capacity | 12,000 | ||
| Owner | Mohammar Reza Motlagh | ||
| Chairman | Gholamreza Samandar | ||
| Manager | Faraz Kamalvand | ||
| League | Iran Pro League | ||
| 2013–14 | Iran Pro League, 10th | ||
| Website | Club home page | ||
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Gostaresh Foulad F.C. is an Iranian football club based in Tabriz, Iran. The club was founded in 2008. They currently compete in the Persian Gulf Pro League. They were promoted from the Azadegan League in the 2012–13 season. The club is owned by Mohammar Reza Motlagh, an Iranian businessman and economist. Gostaresh is one of the few privately owned clubs in Iran.
Gostaresh Foolad also has a futsal team in the senior, under 19's, under 17's, and under 15's levels.
History
Establishment
Formed in 2008, Gostaresh took over the licence of Niroye Zamini when they ran into financial difficulties. Gostaresh had played the previous season in Iran Football's 3rd Division, placing first overall.
Azadegan League
While providing limited results in the clubs inaugural season in the Azadegan League, Gostaresh found success in the Hazfi Cup.
The team reached the finals by securing a 2-0 victory over IPL side Zob Ahan F.C.[1] The victory sealed Gostaresh a meeting with Asian powerhouse Persepolis F.C. in the Hazfi Cup final.[1] Clearly outmatched, Gostaresh lost the home leg 1-0 from a goal by Persepolis forward Sheys Rezaei, who scored in the 12th minute.[2] In the second leg at Azadi Stadium in Tehran, gostaresh lost 3-1 for a total aggregate loss of 4 goals to 1, giving Persepolis the Hazfi Cup.[3]
In the 2011-2012 season Luka Bonacic took over the clubs managerial role, at the end of the year Gostaresh was tied for second place and a shot at promotion, but goal difference dropped them to third, and hopes of promotion were destroyed on the final day.
The 2012-2013 season saw the introduction of Rasoul Khatibi, his tactics seemed to work and Gostaresh easily clinched automatic promotion to the Iran Pro League
Iran Pro League
Gostaresh Foolad play in the 2013-14 Iran Pro League season. They lost in the round of 16 of the Hazfi Cup to Azadegan League side Sanat Naft Abadan. In their first year in the league, Gostaresh had a decent season, finishing 10th.
Stadium
Gostaresh Foolad Stadium is Gostaresh Foolad's main stadium with the capacity of 12,000. The stadium and its complex includes two grass pitches. The club aim's to get an A rating from the Asian Football Confederation regarding their stadium. Starting in the 2014–15 season the club will play its home games at Gostaresh Foolad Stadium.
Kit
Since the clubs establishment in 2008, the teams has worn a all blue home kit with a all white away kit, corresponding with the clubs logo. From 2008 to 2014 Gostaresh's kit sponsor was German company Uhlsport who also supplied the Iran national football team and a large number of other Iranian clubs. Starting in the summer of 2014 the club switched to Spanish company Kelme.
Season-by-season
The table below chronicles the achievements of Gostaresh Foolad F.C. in various competitions since 2009.
| Season | League | Position | Hazfi Cup | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–09 | Division 3 | 1st | Did not qualify | Promoted |
| 2009–10 | Division 1 | 8th | Final | |
| 2010–11 | Division 1 | 3rd | 3rd Round | |
| 2011–12 | Division 1 | 9th | Round of 32 | |
| 2012–13 | Division 1 | 1st | Did not qualify | Promoted |
| 2013–14 | Pro League | 10th | Round of 16 |
Players
First Team Squad
As of January 15, 2015.[4]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Loan list
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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For recent transfers, see List of Iranian football transfers winter 2014–15.
Head coaches
| Manager | Years |
|---|---|
 Hossein Khatibi | Jan 2009–March 2010 |
| Farhad Kazemi | March 2010–Dec 2010 |
 Luka Bonačić | Dec 15, 2010–June 25, 2011 |
 Engin Firat | July 1, 2011–Sept 30, 2011 |
| Mohammad Hossein Ziaei | Oct 2011–Feb 2012 |
| Hadi Bargizar | Feb 2012–July 2012 |
| Rasoul Khatibi | July 1, 2012–Jan 2, 2014 |
| Mehdi Tartar | Jan 2, 2014–Dec 15, 2014 |
| Faraz Kamalvand | Dec 15, 2014– |
Achievements
- Runners-up (1): 2009–10
- Winner (1): 2012–13
- Winner (1): 2008–09
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Iran: Gostaresh Stun Zob Ahan To Earn Dream Final Against Persepolis". Goal.com. 2010-04-24. Retrieved 2013-11-10.
- ↑ "Persepolis reaching for Hazfi Cup title [VIDEO". PersianLeague.com. 2010-05-12. Retrieved 2013-11-10.
- ↑ "Persepolis wins cup elimination final [VIDEO". PersianLeague.com. 2010-05-24. Retrieved 2013-11-10.
- ↑ "گسترش فولاد". Ffiri.ir. Retrieved 2013-11-10.
External links
- (Persian) Official Web Site
- Players and Results
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