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Nikolay PavlovSoviet footballer and Ukrainian football coach. Head coach of Poltava's Vorskla
Date of Birth: 20.06.1954
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Playing Career
- Transfer to Dnipro and Domestic Success
- International Debut and Injury
- Coaching Career
- National Team Duties and Dynamo Kyiv
- Further Coaching Stints
- Book Publication
Early Life and Playing Career
Nikolai Pavlov was born in the Soviet Union and played professional football as a defender and midfielder. He represented various clubs, including Dynamo Brest, Krylya Sovetov Kuibyshev, Dynamo Minsk, Chornomorets Odessa, and Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.
Transfer to Dnipro and Domestic Success
After three years at Dynamo Minsk, Pavlov was forced to leave the team due to family circumstances. Despite receiving offers from several top-flight clubs, he chose to join Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. With his new team, Pavlov achieved significant success, winning the USSR Championship in 1983 and securing a bronze medal in 1984. Throughout his tenure in the USSR top flight, he made 210 appearances and scored six goals.
International Debut and Injury
Pavlov made his international debut for the Soviet Union against West Germany in Hanover, facing a young Rudi Völler. However, during the match, an unfortunate tackle by Völler resulted in Pavlov suffering a serious knee injury that kept him sidelined for two and a half months in a cast.
Coaching Career
After completing his education at the Dnipropetrovsk Institute of Physical Culture and the Higher School of Coaches, Pavlov embarked on a coaching career. He managed several football clubs, including FC Kolos Nikopol, FC Tavriya Simferopol, FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, and FC Metalurh/FC Illyichevets Mariupol.
National Team Duties and Dynamo Kyiv
In 1992 and 1994, Pavlov served as caretaker manager of the Ukrainian national team. During the 1994/95 season, he joined Dynamo Kyiv as team director but was later appointed as interim head coach.
Further Coaching Stints
From 2008 to 2012, Pavlov was the head coach of FC Vorskla Poltava. In 2012, he signed a three-year contract with FC Illyichevets Mariupol, along with his coaching staff.
Book Publication
In 2018, Pavlov released a book titled "There Is Nothing Better Than Truth," co-authored with Ukrainian journalists Artur Valerk and Anatoly Yangol.
