On Friday (4 February), a new board of BKS Bobrzanie was elected. The election was preceded by a discussion about the club’s current situation and its future. The outgoing board answered questions asked by members and supporters of BKS Bobrzanie. Jacek Szymczak spoke about the reasons for the board’s resignation. In his view, the decision to resign was deliberately made in January (although the board’s term ended in June), immediately after the club had settled its finances. This was intended to make it easier for the next board to begin its work and negotiate new terms of cooperation with the city. – We thought this would be better. It would be unfair if one board incurred obligations and another had to settle them – explained Jacek Szymczak.
Jan Woch spoke about the club’s financial situation. The club is financially secure. BKS Bobrzanie has approximately PLN 240,000 for next season. The club’s arrears amount to approximately PLN 30,000. Four years ago, when the board began its work, the club had arrears of up to PLN 40,000. The former president emphasised that, in addition to approximately PLN 100,000 per year from sponsors, the outgoing board had managed several times to increase advertising revenue (banners on the stadium fence).
The BKS board had always been criticised
Later in the meeting, the issue of the board’s constant criticism was raised. The oldest BKS supporters present at the meeting admitted that throughout the club’s history they remembered only one or two presidents who had not been constantly criticised for everything. A similar atmosphere prevailed during the term of the last board. The possibility of shortening the club’s name from BKS Bobrzanie to BKS was also discussed. For financial reasons, this matter has been postponed for now.
The speech by Dariusz Mucha, a former BKS player and former member of the club’s board, sparked considerable controversy. Mucha presented his own diagnosis of the situation at the club. He drew attention to the poor atmosphere surrounding the club. In his opinion, the board resigned because it was simply tired and discouraged by constant criticism. Dariusz Mucha acknowledged the board’s voluntary work and achievements, but at the same time stated that the club did a poor job of shaping its image.
Mucha also said that the club should “reach out to its supporters” and consider introducing free admission to matches for everyone. He also appealed for the level of emotions surrounding the club to be lowered. BKS board members, in turn, explained that tickets were necessary. This was connected with the extensive requirements and costs involved in organising and securing matches.
After Dariusz Mucha’s speech, Maciej Małkowski took the floor. As a representative of the Stowarzyszenie Ziemia Bolesławiecka, he assured those present that the association knew the club’s problems and that BKS could count on its help. In Maciej Małkowski’s view, the dissolution of a club with such traditions, which is a “living monument to our city”, must not be allowed. Maciej Małkowski also referred to the club’s previous cooperation with the association. He emphasised that, as the city’s deputy mayor, he had never had any reservations about the reports and financial settlements submitted by the board. – I have always admired them because I saw passion in their eyes. They are aware of BKS’s historical significance for our city – Maciej Małkowski said during his speech.
Friday’s meeting resulted in the election of a new, compromise board for the club. Three new people joined it: Maciej Małkowski, Mirosław Sakowski and Mirosław Lik. Three previous members also remained on the board: Jan Woch, Piotr Bieńkowski and Jacek Szymczak. The distribution of responsibilities within the board will be known after its next meeting.
BKS thrashes Czarni Lwówek Śląski
On 1 February, BKS’s senior team began preparations for the spring football season. The team has six weeks to prepare for the round. During this time, it has scheduled six friendlies against teams from the third, fourth and fifth tiers. Coach Marcin Ciliński assured everyone that the team would train intensively. He also expressed hope that the squad would be strengthened with local players.
On Saturday (5 February), BKS Bobrzanie played a friendly against Czarni Lwówek Śląski in Legnica. The match ended 10–1 to BKS. The Bolesławiec team were already leading 3–0 at half-time. The goals for our team were scored by: Dzioba (3), Filipiak (2), Serkies, Pietrzak (penalty), Mucha (penalty), Janicki and Kotlarz.
BKS line-up in the first half: Łokaj – Pietrzak, Wołyński, Kotlarz, M. Nowakowski, Filipiak, Mucha, E. Nowakowski, Mielnik, J. Bochnia, Serkies. The following played in the second half: B. Bochnia – Głowacki, Pietrzak, Mucha, Bednarowski, Janicki, Klimas, Czerwonka, Filipiak (Kotlarz, 75th minute), J. Bochnia (M. Nowakowski, 60th minute), Dzioba. Next Saturday (12 February), our team will play a friendly against Chojnowianka Chojnów. The match will be played on an artificial pitch in Legnica.
(information: Marcin Zabawa)