Former Steaua Bucharest Star Ion Diaconescu Joins Coaching Staff
4/18/2008
Matthews USA Announced today that Ion Diaconescu will join their staff this summer. Diaconescu has an outstanding playing background that has seen him represent Romania’s largest and most distinguished side, Steaua Bucharest. They are the most successful Romanian football team ever in European competitions as well in the Romanian Liga One with 23 championship wins. They became the first eastern European team to win the UEFA Champions League (then European Cup) being victorious in the 1986 European Cup Final.
After much success with the Romanian champions, Diaconescu ventured into coaching and was an assistant at Romanian First Division outfit Dunarea Galati, before taking the Head Coaches position in 1990. His position within the professional club also allowed him to take an active role in youth development and he overlooked the curriculum and development for all academy teams for the club.
Diaconescu was excited at his new position with the Matthews USA Club. “I met with the Directors and could not believe how ambitious they were with the club. I love the fact that the club has a long term vision and is structured towards the same player development model that I have been used to. I cannot wait to get out on the field and work with the young players.”
Executive Director of Soccer Operations Gary Hamill echoed Diaconescu’s enthusiasm. “We are delighted to have him on board. His experiences in the professional game are second to none and it is a fantastic opportunity for the young players of Matthews USA to benefit. The players are going to love his enthusiasm for the game.”
