FC Chernomorets Novorossiysk
FC Chernomorets Novorossiysk () is the oldest Russian association football club based in Novorossiysk. It plays in the third-tier Russian Professional Football League. History. The club was founded as Cement Novorossiysk in 1960 and was known by its name in 1960–1969 and 1978–1991. In 1970–1977 the clubs was called Trud Novorossiysk, in 1992–1993 Gekris Novorossiysk, and in 2005 FC Novorossiysk. Chernomorets is Russian for "a man from Black Sea". The club played in class B of the Soviet football in 1960–1970. After this they did not participate in Soviet championships until 1978, when they entered the Second  League. They played there until the dissolution of USSR, and in 1992 were entitled to enter the Russian First Division. They spent three years there. After a third place in 1992 they won their regional group in 1993, but did not succeed in the promotion-relegation tournament. A victory in the First Division in 1994 brought them automatic promotion. Chernomorets stayed in the Top Division from 1995 to 2001. Their best result was sixth position in 1997 and 2000. The latter entitled them to a place in the UEFA Cup, where they were knocked out in the first round by  Valencia. In 2002 Chernomorets won promotion straight back, but were relegated again in 2003. After the 2004 season in the First Division, Chernomorets were denied a professional licence. The club was reorganized, renamed FC Novorossiysk and entered the Amateur Football League for the 2005 season. In the course of the season the team was renamed Chernomorets again. Chernomorets finished first in the "South" zone and went on to win the final tournament, becoming amateur champions of Russia. Chernomorets finished third in the "South" zone of Russian Second Division in the 2006 season. They finally finished first and were promoted to  Russian First Division for the 2007 season. It stayed 2 seasons in First Division and relegated back to Second Division in 2009. They were promoted to the First Division again after winning the Second Division zone in 2010. It was relegated back from the First Division after one year on that level. Current squad. As of 17 February 2022, according to the official FNL 2 website. Reserve team. Chernomorets' reserve team played professionally in the Russian Second Division (in 2000 as FC Chernomorets-2 Novorossiysk) and the Russian Third League (in 1996 as FC Chernomorets-d Novorossiysk). Notable players. Had international  caps for their respective countries. Players whose name is listed in bold represented their countries while playing for Chernomorets/Tsement/Gekris.