Nikolay Kirchev

Why did you choose to study at Solent?

I chose to study at Solent because of the wide range of topics taught within the football studies degree, providing students with a very deep understanding of the football industry. I was also coming out of my professional contract with a Bulgarian first league football club and the University gave me the opportunity to play football at a competitive level with Team Solent FC.

What was the best thing about your course lecturers?

The lecturers provided us with many good examples and interesting stories from the industry with key insights based on their personal experiences. They offered a teaching approach that combined academic and practical methods that enhanced my interest for the course. Furthermore, this "real-world" teaching made it much easier to create a great connection with the academic team.

Did the University give you any help or advice when needed?

During my time at Solent, I suffered a partial ACL tear during a football game. I received good care by the physiotherapy students and was able to play the last few games in my third year. In addition, every lecturer gave students on the football studies course good career advice and Solent Sport offered me the opportunity to gain practical experiences.

Tell us a little about your career so far.

I have been involved in football ever since I graduated from Solent. I started in my home club, Cherno More, as an administrator, where we won the Bulgarian Super Cup. In 2018, I started a new chapter in my career, working as a team manager for PFC Ludogorets 1945, where I am currently still working. For the last five seasons, we’ve won five Bulgarian league titles, four Bulgarian Super Cups and one Bulgarian Cup, as well as participating in the UEFA Europa League group stages every season.

What is a typical working day?

As team manager, my responsibilities are mainly to assist the head coach in all the first team’s activities, as well as being the liaison between the coaching team, the players and the administrative and management staff. I am on the pitch at every training session, travel to games and partake in all activities that involve the first team.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently attending a training camp with the first team, preparing for the UEFA Champions League qualification stage and the start of the Bulgarian championship – both competitions approaching very fast. Meanwhile, I am studying to finish the UEFA CFM – Open Edition course.

What has been your career highlight so far?

It would be all the UEFA club competition draws I’ve attended representing PFC Ludogorets 1945, as well as being closely involved in games against big European teams such as Tottenham, Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, AS Roma, Real Betis, CSKA Moscow and many more. And, with a very busy schedule at PFC Ludogorets 1945, I have managed to continue studying and improve as a professional and as an individual.

What tips would you give to someone wanting a career in your industry?

Find out as early as possible what you are passionate about and, if it doesn’t work the way you dreamed it would be, don't be afraid to try again, but with a different approach. Opportunities may be where you would least expect them to be, so follow your passion because there are many routes to your dream.