News

Champions League star heads for Polska

(contributed by Mark Whait - 15/07/2007)

LEICESTER POLSKA have pulled off a major summer coup by signing former Lodz forward Zbigniew Wyciszkiewicz. The player represented his country 3 times, and in 1998 was part of the Lodz side that drew 0-0 with Manchester United in Poland. Now 38, and since retired from professional football, he has moved to Leicester where he runs his own business arranging living accommodation for Polish students, and was put in touch with the club through the Polish community. Wyciskiewicz said: 'I was really impressed with the way Leicester Polska have been proudly flying the flag for Polish football for nearly 40 years, and I am still in good shape, and after talking to a few of the players, I decided I would take up the challenge. I'm going to give it a season and see what happens.' The player denied the delights of Knighton Park would be something of a comedown compared to the giddy heights of Old Trafford. 'I love grass roots football in this country - I watched a few games last year, and it is thriving. We have nothing like the Alliance League in Poland.' He is also constantly asked by his new team mates about his time playing in the Champions League. 'Lodz won the Polish title in 1998, and we were delighted when we drew Man United the following summer. It was, of course, the season of their famous treble, and we were proud to be part of that.' So what were his memories of that 2-legged game in particular? 'I nearly scored when Schmeichel mis-hit a pass that came straight to me! But as I squared to shoot from outside the box, Ronny Johnsen hacked me down! There were only 8,000 fans watching for the home tie, but then I played in front of 50,000 at Old Trafford! Keane and Beckham were arguing with each other throughout the second leg, but Giggs was outstanding that day. We couldn't get near him!' 'Biggy' as his new team mates have named him, will be raring to go come September, and is a fascinating addition to the Polska ranks.