Banik Ostrava U20

4 Oct 2027
Monday
Process
61 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

27 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Player ratings

Filip Kubala runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 33. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

The wait goes on for Banik Ostrava

6 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Karel Pojezný was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Karel Pojezný’s goal not enough for Banik Ostrava

Karel Pojezný scored, and precious little else went right: 1‑2 to Teplice, and a quiet walk to the dressing room.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Ondřej Kolář

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Karel Pojezný

Marked 8.73 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

Michal Kohút in the eights

A performance of 8.24 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

Michal Frydrych knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Banik Ostrava, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Player ratings

The one thing Ladislav Almási could not do

Shots: 10, enough of them from close enough that a striker in form scores two. He is not a striker in form.

In brief

Back issues
60 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

20 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Jiří Boula

Defensive actions: 30. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Match

The wait goes on for Banik Ostrava

5 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near David Planka

Successful dribbles: 24. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Karel Pojezný in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Abdallah Gning gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

The afternoon belonged to Karel Pojezný

A mark of 7.53, and nobody in the ground would argue with it. He was involved in everything that mattered and most of what did not.

Player ratings

Filip Kubala leaves them behind him

Shots: 8. Goals: none. The chances were there and they were good ones, and they went into the stand, the goalkeeper's arms and the side netting in roughly that order.

Match

Point won or two lost for Banik Ostrava?

Ninety minutes, no goals, and the argument started before the car park emptied: a point gained, or two thrown away against Zbrojovka Brno? Both sides of it will still be going on Thursday.

Market

The Jiří Boula question follows Banik Ostrava around

Every press conference now starts and ends the same way: with Jiří Boula’s future. The manager has run out of new ways to say nothing.

In brief

59 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

13 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Patrick Kpozo keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Banik Ostrava may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Match

The wait goes on for Banik Ostrava

4 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Market

The Jablonec deal is off

Everything was agreed until it was not, and Artúr Musák reports back to Banik Ostrava with a summer to forget. Neither club is saying who walked away from the table.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Michal Kohút was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

No hiding place for Ladislav Almási

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Ladislav Almási, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Srđan Plavšić

Successful dribbles: 19. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Pablo Ortiz stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Pablo Ortiz and Banik Ostrava agree another 3 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Match

Banik Ostrava share the spoils with Jablonec

A 1‑1 draw with Jablonec leaves the dressing room somewhere between relief and regret.

Market

The Michal Kohút story refuses to die

It has been denied twice and printed three times, which is the usual arithmetic. Until Michal Kohút signs something — a contract at Banik Ostrava or anywhere else — this column belongs to him.

In brief

58 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

6 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

So close: Pablo Ortiz’s move dies late

The fee was agreed and the flight was looked at — and then the phone stopped ringing. Pribram moved on, Pablo Ortiz reports back to Banik Ostrava, and everybody pretends Monday is just Monday.

Squad

Karel Pojezný in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

Matěj Chaluš’s goal not enough for Banik Ostrava

Matěj Chaluš scored, and precious little else went right: 2‑3 to Slavia Prague, and a quiet walk to the dressing room.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Matěj Chaluš

Marked 8.33 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near David Buchta

Successful dribbles: 18. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

No hiding place for Daniel Holzer

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Daniel Holzer, and the manager let it.

Squad

Ladislav Almási asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Squad

“I want to play”: Ondřej Kričfaluši speaks

“I respect the manager and I am not going to sit here and pretend I am happy.” It is the most common sentence in football and it has never once been the end of a story.

Market

Jakub Urbanec brings the grey hairs Banik Ostrava lacked

At 35, he has seen every situation this season can produce, twice. The legs will be managed; the head is the purchase.

In brief

57 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

30 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Ondřej Kolář

There were 10 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Market

Iván Centurión hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Banik Ostrava can pretend not to have heard.

Market

Pribram come back empty-handed

The bid was some way short and Banik Ostrava did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.

Market

Pablo Ortiz has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Banik Ostrava they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Karel Pojezný was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

A bad afternoon for Banik Ostrava against Sparta Prague

2‑3 to Sparta Prague, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Squad

Václav Jurečka gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

Michal Kohút in the eights

A performance of 8.06 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

Simon Baroš signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Simon Baroš commits to Banik Ostrava for another 3 years.

In brief

56 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

23 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Cup progress for Banik Ostrava

A 2‑1 win over Slovacko, a place in the next round, and the quiet arithmetic every supporter does on the walk home: how many more until a final?

Market

Artúr Musák asks to leave Banik Ostrava

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Michal Kohút in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Karel Pojezný in the eights

A performance of 8.83 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Player ratings

Vlasiy Sinyavskiy in the eights

A performance of 8.81 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Abdallah Gning

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Youssoupha Sanyang

Successful dribbles: 19. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Market

Pribram expected to open talks for Pablo Ortiz

Both sides expect a conversation in the coming days. Banik Ostrava will name a price, and everything after that is arithmetic.

Player ratings

Michal Kohút keeps on missing

Shots: 10, not one of them in. A centre forward is paid for one thing, and on this evidence he has forgotten which thing it is.

In brief

55 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

16 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Karel Pojezný was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Market

Daniel Janků moves on

Zlin pay $88.0K, and the deal is done. The number reads well on a balance sheet; whether it reads well on the pitch is next season's question.

Player ratings

One of those days for Karel Pojezný

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.10, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Michal Kohút

Marked 8.83 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Squad

No hiding place for Ladislav Almási

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Ladislav Almási, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

David Planka runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 18. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Market

Pribram are about to pick up the phone

A conversation is coming this week. Banik Ostrava will put a number on him, and from there it stops being football and becomes arithmetic.

Match

Karel Pojezný rescues a point for Banik Ostrava

It needed Karel Pojezný to find the net to bring anything home at all: 2‑2 against Jihlava, and half the dressing room will call it a point won.

Player ratings

Filip Kubala keeps on missing

Shots: 10, not one of them in. A centre forward is paid for one thing, and on this evidence he has forgotten which thing it is.

In brief

54 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

9 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Banik Ostrava say no — this time

The offer from Pribram for Pablo Ortiz was heard out and sent back the same day. First bids are rarely meant to succeed; they are meant to find out how loudly the door closes.

Squad

Karel Pojezný in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

Filip Kubala the difference as Banik Ostrava beat Bohemians 1905

Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Filip Kubala. 3‑1 against Bohemians 1905, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.

Player ratings

Srđan Plavšić in the eights

A performance of 9.23 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Player ratings

Karel Pojezný in the eights

A performance of 9.05 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Player ratings

Filip Kubala in the eights

A performance of 8.70 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

Viktor Budinský signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Viktor Budinský and Banik Ostrava agree another 1 years.

Player ratings

One of those days for Michal Kohút

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.06, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Market

The Daniel Janků conversation is coming

Everyone has stopped pretending: Pribram will make the call about Daniel Janků this week. Banik Ostrava have a number in mind, and the number is not shy.

In brief

53 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

2 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Market

Banik Ostrava say no — this time

The offer from Zlin for Daniel Janků was heard out and sent back the same day. First bids are rarely meant to succeed; they are meant to find out how loudly the door closes.

Market

Karel Pojezný raises the bar for Banik Ostrava

“I want to be playing for trophies while my legs still let me.” Nothing in that sentence is a transfer request, and nobody at Banik Ostrava heard it as anything else.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near David Planka

Successful dribbles: 23. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

David Planka signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” David Planka commits to Banik Ostrava for another 5 years.

Market

Ondřej Kolář is a Banik Ostrava player

The fee is $420.0K, the contract is signed, and the argument about whether he is worth it can begin. Slavia Prague drove a hard bargain; time will say who won it.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Michal Kohút was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Dukla Prague take the points off Banik Ostrava

Beaten 0‑1, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Squad

David Buchta gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Boardroom

Inquest at Banik Ostrava

The manager kept them in and said what needed saying. A response is expected on Saturday, and if it does not come the questions move upstairs.

In brief

52 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

26 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Karel Pojezný in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Banik Ostrava lose Iván Centurión

37 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Squad

No hiding place for Abdallah Gning

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Abdallah Gning, and the manager let it.

Match

Zlin take the points off Banik Ostrava

Beaten 0‑1, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Boardroom

Inquest at Banik Ostrava

The manager kept them in and said what needed saying. A response is expected on Saturday, and if it does not come the questions move upstairs.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near David Planka

Successful dribbles: 16. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Market

The Pablo Ortiz conversation is coming

Everyone has stopped pretending: Pribram will make the call about Pablo Ortiz this week. Banik Ostrava have a number in mind, and the number is not shy.

Squad

Václav Jurečka knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Banik Ostrava, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Player ratings

Michal Kohút keeps on missing

Shots: 9, not one of them in. A centre forward is paid for one thing, and on this evidence he has forgotten which thing it is.

In brief

51 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

19 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Vlasiy Sinyavskiy: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Banik Ostrava have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Karel Pojezný was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Market

Jan Cerny is a Banik Ostrava player again

He left as a boy and has come back still knowing where the away end is. Most signings have to be explained to a town; this one needed a photograph and nothing else.

Market

David Darida comes home

The shirt still fits. David Darida is back at Banik Ostrava, and half the ground remembers him in these colours already. Some signings need selling to the town; this one sold itself.

Market

As if he never left: Patrik Holes returns

Some transfers need a press campaign. This one needed a shirt with the old number on it. Patrik Holes is a Banik Ostrava player again, and the town has its story of the summer.

Market

As if he never left: Ales Barak returns

Some transfers need a press campaign. This one needed a shirt with the old number on it. Ales Barak is a Banik Ostrava player again, and the town has its story of the summer.

In brief

50 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

12 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Michal Kohút in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Market

Banik Ostrava sell Šimon Drozd for $49.0K

Šimon Drozd has left for Pribram in a $49.0K deal. The accountants are pleased; the supporters are less certain.

Squad

Samuel Grygar signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Samuel Grygar and Banik Ostrava agree another 4 years.

In brief

49 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

5 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Banik Ostrava are in among the leaders

Position 1 and 56 points on the board. Nobody at the ground will say the word out loud yet, and everybody at the ground is thinking it.

Market

Pribram come back empty-handed

The bid was some way short and Banik Ostrava did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Karel Pojezný was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Iván Centurión signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Iván Centurión commits to Banik Ostrava for another 2 years.

Squad

Banik Ostrava count the cost of losing Samuel Grygar

32 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Squad

No hiding place for Carlos Garduño

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Carlos Garduño, and the manager let it.

In brief

48 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

28 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Martin Koscelník puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Banik Ostrava, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Karel Pojezný signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Karel Pojezný commits to Banik Ostrava for another 5 years.

Squad

Iván Centurión out for 72 days

The medical room confirms 72 days on the sidelines for Iván Centurión, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

Karel Pojezný in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

At 21, David Planka is already the best thing here

An average of 7.04 in a first team he is several years too young for. Banik Ostrava have something, and by now the whole division has noticed.

Market

Slavia Prague expected to open talks for Jakub Pira

Both sides expect a conversation in the coming days. Banik Ostrava will name a price, and everything after that is arithmetic.

In brief

47 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

21 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Banik Ostrava turn down Slovan Liberec for Jakub Pira

The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.

Squad

Filip Kubala in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Martin Koscelník gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

46 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

14 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Slavia Prague come back empty-handed

The bid was some way short and Banik Ostrava did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.

Market

Pablo Ortiz puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Banik Ostrava, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Karel Pojezný in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Jakub Pira signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Jakub Pira and Banik Ostrava agree another 4 years.

Squad

The manager makes an example of David Buchta

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Market

Michal Kohút linked with a move away

The name of Michal Kohút keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Banik Ostrava say nothing, which says plenty.

In brief

45 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

7 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Banik Ostrava are in among the leaders

Position 1 and 56 points on the board. Nobody at the ground will say the word out loud yet, and everybody at the ground is thinking it.

Market

Sparta Prague come back empty-handed

The bid was some way short and Banik Ostrava did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Karel Pojezný was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Ondřej Kričfaluši stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Ondřej Kričfaluši and Banik Ostrava agree another 4 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Market

Slovan Liberec join the queue for Jakub Pira

Add another name to the list: Slovan Liberec have asked the question everybody in the game has been asking about Jakub Pira. The answer from Banik Ostrava has not changed — yet.

Squad

No hiding place for Ondřej Kričfaluši

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Ondřej Kričfaluši, and the manager let it.

In brief

44 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

31 May 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Boardroom

Banik Ostrava have won it

This is the season the town will measure the next twenty against. The trophy travels home with the squad, and the route through the streets was agreed days ago.

Squad

The season belongs to Karel Pojezný

An individual honour is a strange thing in a team game, and the best of them are never argued with. He has had the sort of year that ends with his name being read out, and Banik Ostrava have had the benefit of it.

Squad

Iván Centurión out for 102 days

The medical room confirms 102 days on the sidelines for Iván Centurión, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

Václav Jurečka in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

David Planka is the real thing at 21

A season average of 7.04 at an age when most of his year group are still in the youth team. Banik Ostrava know what they have, and so, by now, does everybody else.

Market

The Jiří Boula question follows Banik Ostrava around

Every press conference now starts and ends the same way: with Jiří Boula’s future. The manager has run out of new ways to say nothing.

In brief

43 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

24 May 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Michal Kohút was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Lorenzo Fernández wants to go home

“I have given this everything, but my family is not here and neither am I, not really.” A footballer can be coached out of bad form. Nobody has ever been coached out of this, and Banik Ostrava know it.

Loan watch

Daniel Janků counts the days

“I watch every Banik Ostrava game from here. That says everything about where my head is.” The loan at Sparta Prague runs its course, but his heart never made the trip.

Squad

Václav Jurečka knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Banik Ostrava, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Market

The Karel Pojezný story refuses to die

It has been denied twice and printed three times, which is the usual arithmetic. Until Karel Pojezný signs something — a contract at Banik Ostrava or anywhere else — this column belongs to him.

Squad

Hamidou Kante has settled at Banik Ostrava

The shrug has gone, the language is coming, and he now argues in training like somebody who expects to be here next year. Half a signing's value is this and none of it appears on a fee.

In brief

42 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

17 May 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Karel Pojezný in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Ladislav Almási knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Banik Ostrava, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Market

Michal Kohút linked with a move away

The name of Michal Kohút keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Banik Ostrava say nothing, which says plenty.

In brief

41 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

10 May 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Banik Ostrava are in among the leaders

Position 1 and 56 points on the board. Nobody at the ground will say the word out loud yet, and everybody at the ground is thinking it.

Squad

Filip Kubala in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Artúr Musák signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Artúr Musák and Banik Ostrava agree another 5 years.

Loan watch

Jakub Pira has seen enough of Fakel

“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Banik Ostrava, and 16 appearances in 35 say he has earned the hearing.

Squad

Ladislav Almási knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Ladislav Almási trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Squad

Pablo Ortiz gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

40 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

3 May 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Martin Koscelník: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Banik Ostrava have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Iván Centurión out for 134 days

The medical room confirms 134 days on the sidelines for Iván Centurión, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

Karel Pojezný in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

39 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

26 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Michal Kohút was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

No hiding place for David Buchta

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to David Buchta, and the manager let it.

Loan watch

Daniel Janků counts the days

“I watch every Banik Ostrava game from here. That says everything about where my head is.” The loan at Sparta Prague runs its course, but his heart never made the trip.

Market

The Karel Pojezný story refuses to die

It has been denied twice and printed three times, which is the usual arithmetic. Until Karel Pojezný signs something — a contract at Banik Ostrava or anywhere else — this column belongs to him.

Squad

Michal Frydrych knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Banik Ostrava, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Squad

Lorenzo Fernández still has not settled

A year in and the language has not come, the city has not opened up, and he eats alone more often than anybody at Banik Ostrava would like to admit. It is showing on Saturdays.

In brief

38 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

19 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

David Buchta says Banik Ostrava went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Michal Kohút was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Loan watch

Artúr Musák counts the days

“I watch every Banik Ostrava game from here. That says everything about where my head is.” The loan at Jablonec runs its course, but his heart never made the trip.

In brief

37 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

12 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Banik Ostrava up to position 1

56 points on the board and a place in the leading group. Nobody at the ground is saying the word out loud yet.

Squad

Dennis Owusu says Banik Ostrava went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Squad

Michal Kohút in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

David Planka signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” David Planka commits to Banik Ostrava for another 5 years.

Loan watch

Marek Havran has seen enough of Jablonec

“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Banik Ostrava, and 2 appearances in 11 say he has earned the hearing.

Squad

Václav Jurečka knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Václav Jurečka trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

36 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

5 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Václav Jurečka keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Banik Ostrava may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Squad

Iván Centurión out for 165 days

The medical room confirms 165 days on the sidelines for Iván Centurión, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Michal Kohút was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

In brief

35 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

29 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Kadir Barría says Banik Ostrava went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Filip Kubala was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Loan watch

Daniel Janků wants to come home

“I did not go to Sparta Prague to sit and watch. I want to come back to Banik Ostrava and fight for my place.” 1 appearances in 8 matches say the rest.

In brief

34 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

22 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Ladislav Almási: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Banik Ostrava have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Karel Pojezný was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Iván Centurión

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

In brief

33 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

15 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Banik Ostrava are in among the leaders

Position 1 and 56 points on the board. Nobody at the ground will say the word out loud yet, and everybody at the ground is thinking it.

Squad

Karel Pojezný in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Jiří Boula

Defensive actions: 23. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

Karel Pojezný in the eights

A performance of 9.47 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

Defences have started doubling up on Michal Kohút

7 goals and a season average of 7.43 will do that. The space he used to find has gone; he keeps scoring anyway, which is the mark of the real thing.

Squad

No hiding place for Ladislav Almási

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Ladislav Almási, and the manager let it.

Match

Karel Pojezný the difference as Banik Ostrava beat AZ

Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Karel Pojezný. 1‑0 against AZ, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Filip Kubala

Marked 8.32 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Squad

Simon Baroš stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Simon Baroš and Banik Ostrava agree another 3 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

In brief

32 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

8 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Michal Frydrych keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Banik Ostrava may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Squad

Václav Jurečka signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Václav Jurečka commits to Banik Ostrava for another 2 years.

Squad

Filip Kubala in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

31 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

1 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Filip Kubala was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

No hiding place for Michal Frydrych

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Michal Frydrych, and the manager let it.

Squad

David Buchta knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Banik Ostrava, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

30 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

22 Feb 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Martin Jedlička keeps Banik Ostrava in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 6 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Squad

Filip Kubala in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Defences have started doubling up on Karel Pojezný

9 goals and a season average of 7.52 will do that. The space he used to find has gone; he keeps scoring anyway, which is the mark of the real thing.

Squad

Getting past Martin Jedlička has become the hardest job in the division

14 clean sheets and counting. Forwards used to back themselves here; now they shoot early, shoot wide, and look for somebody to blame.

Match

AZ take the points off Banik Ostrava

Beaten 0‑1, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Player ratings

Filip Kubala runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 17. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

In brief

29 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

15 Feb 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Banik Ostrava refuse to drop out of the race

Position 1, 56 points, and the result everyone checks first is now theirs. The word is still not being said around the ground, which is how you know everyone is thinking it.

Squad

Michal Kohút in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Iván Centurión

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Loan watch

Jakub Pira has seen enough of Fakel

“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Banik Ostrava, and 13 appearances in 23 say he has earned the hearing.

Market

The Michal Kohút question follows Banik Ostrava around

Every press conference now starts and ends the same way: with Michal Kohút’s future. The manager has run out of new ways to say nothing.

Squad

Václav Jurečka has seen what the next man earns

Numbers do not stay secret in a dressing room and never have. He is not asking for more than he is worth; he is asking why somebody beside him is worth more, and at Banik Ostrava that is a harder question to answer.

In brief

28 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

8 Feb 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Martin Jedlička

There were 6 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Market

Naftan come back empty-handed

The bid was some way short and Banik Ostrava did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.

Match

Banik Ostrava make it 3 in a row

Momentum is a hard thing to buy and an easy thing to lose, and right now Banik Ostrava have 3 straight wins of it.

Squad

Ladislav Almási signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Ladislav Almási and Banik Ostrava agree another 4 years.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Karel Pojezný was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

David Planka is the real thing at 21

A season average of 7.04 at an age when most of his year group are still in the youth team. Banik Ostrava know what they have, and so, by now, does everybody else.

Player ratings

One of those days for Michal Kohút

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.30, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Matěj Chaluš

Defensive actions: 21. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Jiří Boula

Defensive actions: 21. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

In brief

27 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

1 Feb 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Banik Ostrava say no — this time

The offer from Dukla Prague for Filip Šancl was heard out and sent back the same day. First bids are rarely meant to succeed; they are meant to find out how loudly the door closes.

Squad

Karel Pojezný in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near David Planka

Successful dribbles: 21. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Loan watch

Patrick Kpozo wants to come home

“I did not go to Slovacko to sit and watch. I want to come back to Banik Ostrava and fight for my place.” 5 appearances in 23 matches say the rest.

Player ratings

Matěj Chaluš shuts the door

Defensive actions: 20, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Match

Banik Ostrava get the job done against Slovan Liberec

A 1‑0 win over Slovan Liberec, earned rather than given, and the sort of afternoon that sends everyone home talking about next week instead of this one.

Squad

Michal Kohút is in the form of his life

A season average of 7.38 with 6 goals behind it. Opponents have started planning around him, which is the sincerest compliment football pays.

Player ratings

One of those days for Kadir Barría

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.00, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

Youssoupha Sanyang gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

26 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

25 Jan 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Martin Jedlička keeps Banik Ostrava in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 6 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Market

Zbrojovka Brno come back empty-handed

The bid was some way short and Banik Ostrava did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.

Squad

Filip Kubala in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Karel Pojezný is in the form of his life

A season average of 7.51 with 9 goals behind it. Opponents have started planning around him, which is the sincerest compliment football pays.

Player ratings

Karel Pojezný in the eights

A performance of 9.12 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Match

Banik Ostrava find a way past Viktoria Plzen

Viktoria Plzen made Banik Ostrava work for it, but the scoreboard read 2‑1 at the end and the table does not ask how.

Market

Filip Šancl attracts admirers

The name of Filip Šancl has come up in conversations Banik Ostrava were not part of. Nothing formal, nothing signed — but nothing about it accidental either.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Michal Kohút

Marked 8.56 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near David Planka

Successful dribbles: 16. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

In brief

25 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

18 Jan 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

Banik Ostrava are in among the leaders

Position 1 and 47 points on the board. Nobody at the ground will say the word out loud yet, and everybody at the ground is thinking it.

Market

Dukla Prague join the queue for Abdallah Gning

Add another name to the list: Dukla Prague have asked the question everybody in the game has been asking about Abdallah Gning. The answer from Banik Ostrava has not changed — yet.

Market

Banik Ostrava say no — this time

The offer from Sparta Prague for Daniel Janků was heard out and sent back the same day. First bids are rarely meant to succeed; they are meant to find out how loudly the door closes.

Squad

Michal Kohút in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Matúš Rusnák

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 19 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Squad

Michal Frydrych gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Filip Kubala is carrying Banik Ostrava

5 goals and a season average of 7.38. Form like that gets noticed well beyond this town.

Loan watch

Simon Baroš has seen enough of Sparta Prague

“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Banik Ostrava, and 4 appearances in 20 say he has earned the hearing.

Player ratings

Srđan Plavšić runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 13. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

In brief

24 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

11 Jan 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Dukla Prague come back empty-handed

The bid was some way short and Banik Ostrava did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Michal Kohút was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

David Planka is the real thing at 21

A season average of 7.03 at an age when most of his year group are still in the youth team. Banik Ostrava know what they have, and so, by now, does everybody else.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near David Planka

Successful dribbles: 21. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Matúš Rusnák stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Matúš Rusnák and Banik Ostrava agree another 4 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Market

Business is business: Tochukwu Ogbadibo goes

Jihlava paid $84.0K and Banik Ostrava took it, which is the whole story in one sentence. The longer version involves a wage budget and will be told all season.

Squad

No hiding place for Václav Jurečka

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Václav Jurečka, and the manager let it.

Match

A bad afternoon for Banik Ostrava against Mlada Boleslav

0‑1 to Mlada Boleslav, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Market

Daniel Janků attracts admirers

The name of Daniel Janků has come up in conversations Banik Ostrava were not part of. Nothing formal, nothing signed — but nothing about it accidental either.

In brief

23 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

4 Jan 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Banik Ostrava turn down Slavia Prague for Karel Pojezný

The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.

Squad

The season belongs to Martin Jedlička

An individual honour is a strange thing in a team game, and the best of them are never argued with. He has had the sort of year that ends with his name being read out, and Banik Ostrava have had the benefit of it.

Squad

Václav Jurečka in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Karel Pojezný is carrying Banik Ostrava

8 goals and a season average of 7.46. Form like that gets noticed well beyond this town.

Player ratings

Michal Kohút in the eights

A performance of 8.82 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Filip Kubala

Marked 8.59 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Squad

Václav Jurečka left out for the big one

A player who expected to start watched it instead. The manager will call it a decision for the team; Václav Jurečka will call it something else in private.

Player ratings

David Planka runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 16. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

Honours even between Banik Ostrava and Teplice

2‑2, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.

In brief

22 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

28 Dec 2026
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Banik Ostrava lose Jiří Boula

29 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Michal Kohút was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Filip Kubala

Marked 8.96 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

One of those days for Srđan Plavšić

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.89, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

No hiding place for Abdallah Gning

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Abdallah Gning, and the manager let it.

Match

Banik Ostrava get the job done against Zbrojovka Brno

A 1‑0 win over Zbrojovka Brno, earned rather than given, and the sort of afternoon that sends everyone home talking about next week instead of this one.

Player ratings

Michal Kohút runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 18. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Filip Kubala is in the form of his life

A season average of 7.35 with 4 goals behind it. Opponents have started planning around him, which is the sincerest compliment football pays.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Hamidou Kante

Defensive actions: 15. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

In brief

21 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

21 Dec 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

Banik Ostrava refuse to drop out of the race

Position 1, 42 points, and the result everyone checks first is now theirs. The word is still not being said around the ground, which is how you know everyone is thinking it.

Player ratings

Michal Kohút runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 26. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

The wait goes on for Banik Ostrava

4 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Squad

Karel Pojezný in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Matúš Rusnák

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 23 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Squad

Michal Frydrych gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Banik Ostrava lose Martin Kulyk

35 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Player ratings

Karel Pojezný stands above it all

Some games turn on a moment; this one turned on a man. 7.80 on the card, and the Banik Ostrava support went home talking about one name.

Squad

Defences have started doubling up on Michal Kohút

5 goals and a season average of 7.28 will do that. The space he used to find has gone; he keeps scoring anyway, which is the mark of the real thing.

In brief

20 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

14 Dec 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Martin Jedlička

There were 14 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Karel Pojezný

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 31 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Player ratings

Martin Koscelník shuts the door

Defensive actions: 29, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Player ratings

Filip Kubala runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 27. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Player ratings

Daniel Holzer shuts the door

Defensive actions: 24, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Squad

Filip Kubala in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

At 21, David Planka is already the best thing here

An average of 7.00 in a first team he is several years too young for. Banik Ostrava have something, and by now the whole division has noticed.

Squad

David Buchta out for 48 days

The medical room confirms 48 days on the sidelines for David Buchta, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Loan watch

Ondřej Kričfaluši counts the days

“I watch every Banik Ostrava game from here. That says everything about where my head is.” The loan at Naftan runs its course, but his heart never made the trip.

In brief

19 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

7 Dec 2026
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Karel Pojezný in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Defences have started doubling up on Karel Pojezný

8 goals and a season average of 7.47 will do that. The space he used to find has gone; he keeps scoring anyway, which is the mark of the real thing.

Match

A bad afternoon for Banik Ostrava against Sparta Prague

1‑2 to Sparta Prague, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Loan watch

Patrick Kpozo counts the days

“I watch every Banik Ostrava game from here. That says everything about where my head is.” The loan at Slovacko runs its course, but his heart never made the trip.

Squad

No hiding place for Martin Jedlička

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Martin Jedlička, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Filip Kubala

Marked 8.69 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Václav Jurečka

Marked 8.25 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Squad

The month belongs to Hamidou Kante

The award is a small thing with a heavy meaning: for four weeks nobody in this division did his job better. Banik Ostrava have the trophy on a shelf and the player in the side.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Srđan Plavšić

Successful dribbles: 13. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

In brief

18 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

30 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Matúš Rusnák

Defensive actions: 29. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Squad

Viktor Budinský says Banik Ostrava went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Squad

Banik Ostrava count the cost of losing Jiří Boula

60 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Squad

Filip Kubala in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

Banik Ostrava come up short against Porto

Porto left with the points after a 2‑3 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Michal Kohút

Marked 9.03 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Squad

No hiding place for Abdallah Gning

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Abdallah Gning, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

David Planka runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 19. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Player ratings

One of those days for Karel Pojezný

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.70, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

In brief

17 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

23 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Banik Ostrava are in among the leaders

Position 1 and 37 points on the board. Nobody at the ground will say the word out loud yet, and everybody at the ground is thinking it.

Match

The small margins put Banik Ostrava out

Out, 1‑1 to Mlada Boleslav, and the long argument about which of the small moments decided it. The league is all there is now, and everybody knows it.

Squad

Viktor Budinský decides it from twelve yards

1 kept out in the shoot-out, and a stadium that will still be describing them in twenty years. A goalkeeper only needs one of these to be remembered forever.

Player ratings

Michal Kohút runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 25. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Michal Kohút in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

Whatever happens, Banik Ostrava do not lose

6 games unbeaten now. Some were earned and some were survived, but a habit is forming — and habits are the hardest thing in football to play against.

Player ratings

Matěj Chaluš in the eights

A performance of 8.86 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Player ratings

The kick that got away from Eldar Šehić

Twelve yards, a goalkeeper guessing, and it still did not go in. He will take the next one, and every soul in the ground will hold their breath.

Squad

Dennis Owusu gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

16 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

16 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Triumph

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Viktor Budinský

There were 6 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Squad

Vlasiy Sinyavskiy keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Banik Ostrava may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Match

Banik Ostrava make it 4 in a row

Momentum is a hard thing to buy and an easy thing to lose, and right now Banik Ostrava have 4 straight wins of it.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Srđan Plavšić

Successful dribbles: 25. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Michal Kohút was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Matúš Rusnák shuts the door

Defensive actions: 23, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Squad

Banik Ostrava lose David Buchta

81 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Player ratings

One of those days for Václav Jurečka

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.17, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

Filip Kubala in the eights

A performance of 8.80 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

In brief

15 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

9 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Triumph

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Martin Jedlička

There were 7 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Player ratings

Daniel Holzer shuts the door

Defensive actions: 27, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Player ratings

Michal Kohút runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 26. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

Banik Ostrava cannot stop winning

3 wins on the spin now, and the question has changed from whether the run ends to who ends it. Confidence like this cannot be bought; it has to be earned exactly this way.

Squad

Michal Kohút in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Karel Pojezný is carrying Banik Ostrava

8 goals and a season average of 7.49. Form like that gets noticed well beyond this town.

Player ratings

Karel Pojezný in the eights

A performance of 9.16 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Match

Karel Pojezný sends Banik Ostrava past Dukla Prague

It finished 1‑0, and it was Karel Pojezný’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Banik Ostrava.

Match

Banik Ostrava get the job done against Dinamo Moscow

A 1‑0 win over Dinamo Moscow, earned rather than given, and the sort of afternoon that sends everyone home talking about next week instead of this one.

In brief

14 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

2 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Player ratings

Daniel Holzer shuts the door

Defensive actions: 27, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Squad

Banik Ostrava lose Jiří Boula

94 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Squad

Filip Kubala in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Karel Pojezný

Marked 9.38 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Squad

Defences have started doubling up on Karel Pojezný

7 goals and a season average of 7.41 will do that. The space he used to find has gone; he keeps scoring anyway, which is the mark of the real thing.

Match

Karel Pojezný sends Banik Ostrava past Zlin

It finished 1‑0, and it was Karel Pojezný’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Banik Ostrava.

Player ratings

Filip Kubala in the eights

A performance of 8.30 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Player ratings

Matěj Chaluš shuts the door

Defensive actions: 16, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Squad

No hiding place for Rodrigo Bacidalupe

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Rodrigo Bacidalupe, and the manager let it.

In brief

13 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

26 Oct 2026
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Banik Ostrava are in among the leaders

Position 1 and 27 points on the board. Nobody at the ground will say the word out loud yet, and everybody at the ground is thinking it.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Martin Jedlička

There were 7 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Filip Kubala was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near David Planka

Successful dribbles: 21. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Player ratings

One of those days for Filip Kubala

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.14, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Match

A bad afternoon for Banik Ostrava against Sigma Olomouc

1‑2 to Sigma Olomouc, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Match

Banik Ostrava get the job done against Dinamo Moscow

A 2‑1 win over Dinamo Moscow, earned rather than given, and the sort of afternoon that sends everyone home talking about next week instead of this one.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Michal Kohút

Marked 8.59 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

One of those days for Srđan Plavšić

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.55, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

In brief

12 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

19 Oct 2026
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Player ratings

Nothing got past Jiří Boula

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 38 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Karel Pojezný was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

David Buchta out for 113 days

The medical room confirms 113 days on the sidelines for David Buchta, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Match

Still nobody has beaten Banik Ostrava

The unbeaten run reaches 6. Some of them were wins and some were escapes, but a side that refuses to lose is a side other dressing rooms talk about.

Player ratings

One of those days for Filip Kubala

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.13, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Match

Banik Ostrava see off Slovan Liberec

Three points for Banik Ostrava, 2‑0 the final word against Slovan Liberec in a contest settled by the finer margins.

Squad

No hiding place for Abdallah Gning

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Abdallah Gning, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

One of those days for Srđan Plavšić

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.78, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

One of those days for Václav Jurečka

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.00, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

In brief

11 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

12 Oct 2026
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Jiří Boula shuts the door

Defensive actions: 32, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Squad

Michal Kohút in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Iván Centurión

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Player ratings

Daniel Holzer shuts the door

Defensive actions: 17, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Loan watch

Simon Baroš counts the days

“I watch every Banik Ostrava game from here. That says everything about where my head is.” The loan at Sparta Prague runs its course, but his heart never made the trip.

Player ratings

Srđan Plavšić runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 15. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

No goals between Banik Ostrava and Viktoria Plzen

Ninety minutes, two goalkeepers with clean gloves, and not one finish worth keeping. Viktoria Plzen will be the happier side with the point.

Squad

Michal Frydrych asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Market

Karel Pojezný linked with a move away

The name of Karel Pojezný keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Banik Ostrava say nothing, which says plenty.

In brief

10 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

5 Oct 2026
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Filip Kubala

Successful dribbles: 30. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Michal Kohút was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Loan watch

Patrick Kpozo wants to come home

“I did not go to Slovacko to sit and watch. I want to come back to Banik Ostrava and fight for my place.” 1 appearances in 6 matches say the rest.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Matěj Chaluš

Defensive actions: 20. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

Karel Pojezný in the eights

A performance of 8.78 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Match

Rodrigo Bacidalupe the difference as Banik Ostrava beat Spartak Trnava

Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Rodrigo Bacidalupe. 1‑0 against Spartak Trnava, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Srđan Plavšić

Marked 8.19 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Squad

Karel Pojezný is carrying Banik Ostrava

6 goals and a season average of 7.36. Form like that gets noticed well beyond this town.

Boardroom

Wages eat 114% of everything Banik Ostrava earn

There is a figure at which a wage bill stops being ambitious and becomes the reason nothing else is possible, and this club has reached it. Nothing is left over for a transfer, a stand or a rainy afternoon.

In brief

9 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

28 Sep 2026
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Banik Ostrava refuse to drop out of the race

Position 1, 22 points, and the result everyone checks first is now theirs. The word is still not being said around the ground, which is how you know everyone is thinking it.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Martin Jedlička

There were 7 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Squad

Michal Kohút in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Matěj Chaluš

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 23 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Player ratings

Jiří Boula shuts the door

Defensive actions: 21, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Player ratings

David Planka in the eights

A performance of 9.00 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Václav Jurečka

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Match

Banik Ostrava see off Mlada Boleslav

Three points for Banik Ostrava, 1‑0 the final word against Mlada Boleslav in a contest settled by the finer margins.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Filip Kubala

Successful dribbles: 17. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

In brief

8 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

21 Sep 2026
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Nothing got past Karel Pojezný

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 27 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Squad

Banik Ostrava lose David Buchta

147 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Michal Kohút was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Srđan Plavšić in the eights

A performance of 9.27 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Player ratings

Filip Kubala runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 20. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

Michal Kohút’s goal not enough for Banik Ostrava

Michal Kohút scored, and precious little else went right: 1‑2 to Porto, and a quiet walk to the dressing room.

Squad

No hiding place for Martin Jedlička

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Martin Jedlička, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

One of those days for Michal Kohút

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.83, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Match

Srđan Plavšić the difference as Banik Ostrava beat Teplice

Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Srđan Plavšić. 1‑0 against Teplice, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.

In brief

7 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

14 Sep 2026
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Karel Pojezný in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

David Látal in the eights

A performance of 8.92 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

No hiding place for Iván Centurión

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Iván Centurión, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Václav Jurečka

Successful dribbles: 15. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Match

David Látal rescues a point for Banik Ostrava

It needed David Látal to find the net to bring anything home at all: 1‑1 against Zbrojovka Brno, and half the dressing room will call it a point won.

Market

Jiří Boula linked with a move away

The name of Jiří Boula keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Banik Ostrava say nothing, which says plenty.

Player ratings

Ladislav Almási keeps on missing

Shots: 9, not one of them in. A centre forward is paid for one thing, and on this evidence he has forgotten which thing it is.

Player ratings

Filip Kubala leaves them behind him

Shots: 6. Goals: none. The chances were there and they were good ones, and they went into the stand, the goalkeeper's arms and the side netting in roughly that order.

Squad

David Látal finally opens his account

He wheeled away like a man who had been carrying it for months, because he had. Banik Ostrava have their signing off the mark and one press-conference question retired.

In brief

6 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

7 Sep 2026
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Filip Šancl asks to leave Banik Ostrava

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Karel Pojezný was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Banik Ostrava come up short against Jablonec

Jablonec left with the points after a 1‑2 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.

Player ratings

One of those days for Matěj Chaluš

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.43, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

Michal Frydrych gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

The month belongs to Karel Pojezný

The award is a small thing with a heavy meaning: for four weeks nobody in this division did his job better. Banik Ostrava have the trophy on a shelf and the player in the side.

Squad

Costly mistake from Viktor Budinský

An error at the back is a moment; an error in goal is a goal. Viktor Budinský knows it, the crowd knew it instantly, and there was nobody behind him to make it anything else.

Player ratings

Filip Kubala runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 15. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Market

The Karel Pojezný story refuses to die

It has been denied twice and printed three times, which is the usual arithmetic. Until Karel Pojezný signs something — a contract at Banik Ostrava or anywhere else — this column belongs to him.

In brief

5 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

31 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Triumph

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Martin Jedlička

There were 8 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Match

Nobody wants to play Banik Ostrava right now

6 wins in a row changes how opponents warm up: quieter, more glances across. Runs end, everybody knows that — but nobody in this dressing room is planning for it.

Market

Eldar Šehić puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Banik Ostrava, and it is not being withdrawn.

Market

Slavia Prague come back empty-handed

The bid was some way short and Banik Ostrava did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.

Market

The Sigma Olomouc deal is off

Everything was agreed until it was not, and Ondřej Kričfaluši reports back to Banik Ostrava with a summer to forget. Neither club is saying who walked away from the table.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Filip Kubala was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

One of those days for Karel Pojezný

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.33, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Market

Business is business: Jiří Míček goes

Mlada Boleslav paid $59.0K and Banik Ostrava took it, which is the whole story in one sentence. The longer version involves a wage budget and will be told all season.

Match

Michal Kohút the difference as Banik Ostrava beat Slavia Prague

Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Michal Kohút. 2‑1 against Slavia Prague, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.

In brief

4 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

24 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Triumph

Match

Banik Ostrava through in the cup

A 2‑0 win over Zbrojovka Brno, and the draw for the next round can be watched with some interest for once.

Market

Banik Ostrava turn down Zlin for Abdallah Gning

The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.

Squad

Martin Jedlička keeps Banik Ostrava in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 7 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Match

Banik Ostrava cannot stop winning

5 wins on the spin now, and the question has changed from whether the run ends to who ends it. Confidence like this cannot be bought; it has to be earned exactly this way.

Market

David Látal asks to leave Banik Ostrava

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Michal Kohút was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Banik Ostrava see off Sparta Prague

Three points for Banik Ostrava, 3‑2 the final word against Sparta Prague in a contest settled by the finer margins.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Eldar Šehić

Defensive actions: 21. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

Vlasiy Sinyavskiy runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 20. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

In brief

3 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

17 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Triumph

Player ratings

Jiří Boula shuts the door

Defensive actions: 35, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Market

Abdallah Gning attracts admirers

The name of Abdallah Gning has come up in conversations Banik Ostrava were not part of. Nothing formal, nothing signed — but nothing about it accidental either.

Squad

Banik Ostrava lose Václav Jurečka

14 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Match

Banik Ostrava cannot stop winning

3 wins on the spin now, and the question has changed from whether the run ends to who ends it. Confidence like this cannot be bought; it has to be earned exactly this way.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Michal Kohút

Successful dribbles: 23. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Michal Kohút in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Market

Banik Ostrava get their man

The chase for Martin Koscelník ended with $180.0K changing hands and Slovacko out of reasons to say no. The supporters will judge the fee the only way that matters: on Saturdays.

Player ratings

Karel Pojezný in the eights

A performance of 9.44 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Srđan Plavšić

Marked 9.45 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

In brief

2 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

10 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Triumph

Player ratings

Nothing got past Jiří Boula

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 38 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Market

Banik Ostrava turn down Jihlava for Ondřej Kričfaluši

The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.

Squad

Jiří Boula signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Jiří Boula and Banik Ostrava agree another 4 years.

Squad

Michal Kohút in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Banik Ostrava this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Karel Pojezný

Marked 9.55 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

David Planka in the eights

A performance of 9.00 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Match

Banik Ostrava get the job done against Jihlava

A 2‑0 win over Jihlava, earned rather than given, and the sort of afternoon that sends everyone home talking about next week instead of this one.

Player ratings

Matěj Chaluš shuts the door

Defensive actions: 19, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Market

Nobody at Banik Ostrava has picked up the phone to Filip Kubala

48 months to run and not a word offered. A club that lets the calendar negotiate for it usually ends up losing to the calendar.

In brief

1 Edition

The Banik Ostrava Herald

3 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Triumph

Match

No mercy from Banik Ostrava

Bohemians 1905 will want this one forgotten quickly: 3‑0, every duel lost, and a long ride home. Banik Ostrava were ruthless in the way good sides are ruthless.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Jiří Boula

Defensive actions: 33. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Squad

Václav Jurečka signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Václav Jurečka and Banik Ostrava agree another 2 years.

Squad

Tempers go at Banik Ostrava

Michal Kohút was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Karel Pojezný

Marked 8.97 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

David Buchta in the eights

A performance of 8.96 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Market

Eyes on Ondřej Kričfaluši again

The phone has started ringing about Ondřej Kričfaluši again, and this time the name on the line is Jihlava. Banik Ostrava are listening politely and promising nothing.

Player ratings

One of those days for Michal Kohút

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.62, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Market

24 months and counting on Václav Jurečka

Still no offer on the table, and Václav Jurečka’s deal keeps shrinking. In boardroom language, silence this long stops being an oversight and starts being an answer.

In brief