Smigly Wilno
Encyclopedia
Śmigły Wilno was a former Polish soccer team. Founded in 1933 in Wilno (now Vilnius, Lithuania
). Śmigły's full name was Wojskowy Klub Sportowy "Śmigły" Wilno (Military Sports Club "Śmigły" Wilno). The club enjoyed full support of Wilno's military garrison of the Polish Army, located in present day Šiaurės miestelis of Žirmūnai
; in fact – it was created by a group of officers, passionate fans of soccer.
, on 8 April 1933. On this day, the soccer team of Wilno beat a team from Siedlce
3–1. The club was the result of a union of different Wilno's soccer teams (such as Strzelec, Pogon, Lauda and Ognisko), none of which had previously achieved any successes. The officers, with Colonel Zygmunt Wenda as the first one who came up with this idea, realized that one big team, representing Wilno, would be the best solution and thus Śmigły was born. The name was a gesture towards Edward Śmigły-Rydz, commander-in-chief of Polish Army.
(0–1, 1–0 and 4–2 in additional game, held in Warsaw
. In the finals, however, Polonia Warszawa
proved to be too strong. Śmigły lost both games (0–2 and 1–3) and failed to promote to the Polish Soccer League.
(12–0 and 6–0) and WKS Brześć nad Bugiem (3–1 and 6–0), Śmigły reached the final group of the play-offs, winner of which was promoted to the Polish Soccer League. Unfortunately, this attempt was unsuccessful – in the 3-team group Śmigły finished last, behind Śląsk Świętochłowice (which was promoted) and Naprzód Lipiny.
and Kotwica Pinsk), Śmigły, on its way to play-offs finals, faced Czarni Lwów
. Wilno's side did not manage to overcome this team (0–2 and 0–0).
, but behind AKS Chorzów
and Cracovia (both AKS and Cracovia were promoted to the Polish Soccer League and in 1937 these teams dominated the season – Cracovia became champion, AKS was second). Śmigły's scores were: against Cracovia 0–0 and 0–5, against AKS 1–6 and 3–5 and against Brygada 0–2 and 1–0.
and home's 3–1 victory over 1937's vicechampion, AKS Chorzów
.
Śmigły's first game in the League took place on 10 April 1938, in Chorzów
, against then-best team in Poland – Ruch Chorzów
. Wilno's side, after ambitious performance, lost 2–5. A historic first home game was held on 24 April 1938, against another great side – Pogoń Lwów
. Unfortunately, 8,000 fans did not help Śmigły—their favorites lost 0–1. Then, on 1 May, the biggest success of Śmigły occurred. To Wilno, to the stadium located at Werkowska street, came AKS Chorzów (supported by some 600 fans, who came all the way from Chorzów in a special train). This time, Śmigły won 3–1 and 5,000 home fans were overcome with joy.
On 3 July 1938, another sensation took place – this time in Poznań
. Even though Śmigły, after beating Wisła Kraków 1–0 (26 May 1938 in Wilno, attendance: 4,000), and ŁKS Łódź 4–0 (26 June 1938, attendance: 4,000), was appreciated as a team, nobody was expecting Wilno's side to win 3–2 against Warta. On 4 September, Śmigły's last victory in the League took place, 4–1 against Warszawianka Warszawa
. Then, Wilno's favorites lost 5 games in a row (including 1–7 against AKS Chorzów) and they were relegated, finishing the league in the last, 10th spot. Śmigły's last game in the League took place on 30 October 1938 in Lwów, Wilno's side lost 2–3.
Results of all the games from the 1938 season:
and Legia Poznań
(out of these 4 teams, 3 were going to be promoted). Unfortunately, by 1 September 1939, only 2 rounds took place. On 13 August 1939 Śmigły lost at Świętochłowice 1–2 and then, at home beat Legia 5–1 (on 20 August 1939). It was the last game of this club in the history of Polish soccer and it was attended by some 3000 fans, as Przeglad Sportowy
wrote. Chronicles inform us of dates of next play-offs games (like on 10 September , away at Drohobycz).
On 1 September 1939, Germany invaded Poland. On 17 September, the Soviet Union did the same. The history of Polish soccer in Wilno came to an end.
Lithuania
Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
). Śmigły's full name was Wojskowy Klub Sportowy "Śmigły" Wilno (Military Sports Club "Śmigły" Wilno). The club enjoyed full support of Wilno's military garrison of the Polish Army, located in present day Šiaurės miestelis of Žirmūnai
Žirmunai
Žirmūnai , is the most populous administrative division in Vilnius. It is also a neighbourhood in the Lithuanian capital city Vilnius, encompassing the city district of the same name, built in the 1960s....
; in fact – it was created by a group of officers, passionate fans of soccer.
History
The name "Śmigły" (Agile) for the first time appeared in an interwar Polish sports weekly Raz, Dwa, TrzyRaz, dwa, trzy (newspaper)
Raz, dwa, trzy was a Polish sports weekly, published in the interbellum period in Kraków, by the Ilustrowany Kurier Codzienny publishing house. Its first issue came out on April 21, 1931, the last one was printed in late August 1939. Following German and Soviet aggression on Poland, the weekly...
, on 8 April 1933. On this day, the soccer team of Wilno beat a team from Siedlce
Siedlce
Siedlce ) is a city in eastern Poland with 77,392 inhabitants . Situated in the Masovian Voivodeship , previously the city was the capital of a separate Siedlce Voivodeship ....
3–1. The club was the result of a union of different Wilno's soccer teams (such as Strzelec, Pogon, Lauda and Ognisko), none of which had previously achieved any successes. The officers, with Colonel Zygmunt Wenda as the first one who came up with this idea, realized that one big team, representing Wilno, would be the best solution and thus Śmigły was born. The name was a gesture towards Edward Śmigły-Rydz, commander-in-chief of Polish Army.
Play-Offs Finals – 1933
First, in regional games, Śmigły beat the teams of 4 dyon samoch. panc. Brześć nad Bugiem (3–1 and 3–2) and 76 p.p. Grodno (4–1 and 2–1). Then, in the semifinals, overcame Naprzód LipinyNaprzód Lipiny
GKS Naprzód Świętochłowice Lipiny - a sports club from Swietochlowice’s district of Lipiny , founded in 1920 by Alfons Maniura, who became Naprzód first chairman. Throughout the years, the club for many times changed name. In 1920-1939 and then in 1945-1965 it was Naprzód Lipiny, in 1939-1945 -...
(0–1, 1–0 and 4–2 in additional game, held in Warsaw
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most...
. In the finals, however, Polonia Warszawa
Polonia Warszawa
Polonia Warsaw is a Polish sports club with football and basketball teams, founded in 1911, and is the oldest such club in Warsaw, where it is based.- History :...
proved to be too strong. Śmigły lost both games (0–2 and 1–3) and failed to promote to the Polish Soccer League.
Play-Offs Finals – 1934
In 1934, after beating WKS GrodnoWKS Grodno
Wojskowy Klub Sportowy Grodno was a Polish football team, located in Grodno, Poland , on the historic territory of Kresy Wschodnie ....
(12–0 and 6–0) and WKS Brześć nad Bugiem (3–1 and 6–0), Śmigły reached the final group of the play-offs, winner of which was promoted to the Polish Soccer League. Unfortunately, this attempt was unsuccessful – in the 3-team group Śmigły finished last, behind Śląsk Świętochłowice (which was promoted) and Naprzód Lipiny.
Śmigły in 1935
After winning regional games (against Warmia GrajewoWarmia Grajewo
Warmia Grajewo is a Polish football club playing currently in III Liga . The club was founded in 1924. It's one of the oldest football clubs in Podlasie arena.-Warmia in XXI century:...
and Kotwica Pinsk), Śmigły, on its way to play-offs finals, faced Czarni Lwów
Czarni Lwów
Czarni Lwów was one of the first Polish professional sports clubs with the well developed football section as well as hockey among the several other sports. The football club was started in the late 19th century in Lwów as a school football section Sława Lwów...
. Wilno's side did not manage to overcome this team (0–2 and 0–0).
Play-Offs Finals – 1936
This time, after beating WKS Grodno and WKS Hallerczyk Rowne, Śmigły reached the play-offs. There, however, waited two reputed teams, which proved impossible to beat for the team from Wilno. Śmigły finished 3rd, ahead of Brygada CzęstochowaBrygada Czestochowa
Brygada Częstochowa was a soccer team from Częstochowa, Poland. The team was supported by Częstochowa's garrison of the Polish Army and in the 1930s it played in regional soccer A-Class tournament of the Kielce region. Brygada unsuccessfully tried to get promoted to the Polish Soccer League. Its...
, but behind AKS Chorzów
AKS Chorzów
AKS Chorzów is a sports club in based in Chorzów, Poland. It is one of the earliest sports organizations in Upper Silesia and is still well-known nationally for its football and handball teams...
and Cracovia (both AKS and Cracovia were promoted to the Polish Soccer League and in 1937 these teams dominated the season – Cracovia became champion, AKS was second). Śmigły's scores were: against Cracovia 0–0 and 0–5, against AKS 1–6 and 3–5 and against Brygada 0–2 and 1–0.
Promotion – 1937
In regional games, Śmigły beat WKS Grodno (5–4 and 5–1) and Ruch Brześć nad Bugiem (6–0 and 2–1). Then, in the play-offs, Wilno's side placed in the second position, after Polonia Warszawa, but in front of both Brygada Częstochowa and Unia Lublin. On its way to promotion, Śmigły's scores were: with Polonia 0–1 and 1–6, with Brygada 5–1 and 1–3 and with Unia 1–0 and 8–1. It was a notable success, for the first time in the history of northeastern Poland, a team from there won promotion to the 10-team, elite League. Also, last but not least, Śmigły is the only non-Lwów team from former Kresy Wschodnie (Polish Eastern Borderlands) that ever appeared in the League. All other Kresy's teams were from Lwów.Śmigły's lone season in Polish Soccer League – 1938
Unfortunately, Śmigły's adventure in the top league lasted for one season only. Wilno's team won 5 games, with only 1 draw and 12 loses. Goals diferrence was 29–50. Worth mentioning are Śmigły's 3–2 away victory with 1938's vice-champion, Warta PoznańWarta Poznan
Warta Poznań is a football club based in Poznań, Poland. Founded in 1912, the club are two-time winners of the Polish Football Championship, in 1929 and 1947, but currently reside in the Polish First League. The name means the Guard in Polish and also a name of river Warta on which Poznań is...
and home's 3–1 victory over 1937's vicechampion, AKS Chorzów
AKS Chorzów
AKS Chorzów is a sports club in based in Chorzów, Poland. It is one of the earliest sports organizations in Upper Silesia and is still well-known nationally for its football and handball teams...
.
Śmigły's first game in the League took place on 10 April 1938, in Chorzów
Chorzów
Chorzów is a city in Silesia in southern Poland, near Katowice. Chorzów is one of the central districts of the Upper Silesian Metropolitan Union - a metropolis with a population of 2 million...
, against then-best team in Poland – Ruch Chorzów
Ruch Chorzów
Ruch Chorzów is a Polish association football club based in Chorzów, Upper Silesia. It is one of the most successful football teams in Poland: 14 time national champion, and 3 time winner of the Polish Cup. Currently the team plays in the top Polish league, the Ekstraklasa. Their stadium capacity...
. Wilno's side, after ambitious performance, lost 2–5. A historic first home game was held on 24 April 1938, against another great side – Pogoń Lwów
Pogon Lwów
LKS Pogoń Lwów is a former Polish professional sports club which was located in Lwów , and existed from 1904 until the outbreak of World War II in 1939. It was the second oldest Polish football club behind other teams from Lwów - Czarni and Lechia...
. Unfortunately, 8,000 fans did not help Śmigły—their favorites lost 0–1. Then, on 1 May, the biggest success of Śmigły occurred. To Wilno, to the stadium located at Werkowska street, came AKS Chorzów (supported by some 600 fans, who came all the way from Chorzów in a special train). This time, Śmigły won 3–1 and 5,000 home fans were overcome with joy.
On 3 July 1938, another sensation took place – this time in Poznań
Poznan
Poznań is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland, with a population of 556,022 in June 2009. It is among the oldest cities in Poland, and was one of the most important centres in the early Polish state, whose first rulers were buried at Poznań's cathedral. It is sometimes claimed to be...
. Even though Śmigły, after beating Wisła Kraków 1–0 (26 May 1938 in Wilno, attendance: 4,000), and ŁKS Łódź 4–0 (26 June 1938, attendance: 4,000), was appreciated as a team, nobody was expecting Wilno's side to win 3–2 against Warta. On 4 September, Śmigły's last victory in the League took place, 4–1 against Warszawianka Warszawa
Warszawianka Warszawa
Klub Sportowy Warszawianka is a former Polish multi-sport club from Warsaw. Founded in 1921 by the famous Warsaw families of Luxemburgs and Loths . Hues - black-white, the logo consisted of a black capital letter W.-History:At first, the club's main effort was concentrated on football...
. Then, Wilno's favorites lost 5 games in a row (including 1–7 against AKS Chorzów) and they were relegated, finishing the league in the last, 10th spot. Śmigły's last game in the League took place on 30 October 1938 in Lwów, Wilno's side lost 2–3.
Results of all the games from the 1938 season:
| Opponent | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|
| Ruch Hajduki Wielkie Ruch Chorzów Ruch Chorzów is a Polish association football club based in Chorzów, Upper Silesia. It is one of the most successful football teams in Poland: 14 time national champion, and 3 time winner of the Polish Cup. Currently the team plays in the top Polish league, the Ekstraklasa. Their stadium capacity... |
2:4 | 2:5 |
| Warta Poznań Warta Poznan Warta Poznań is a football club based in Poznań, Poland. Founded in 1912, the club are two-time winners of the Polish Football Championship, in 1929 and 1947, but currently reside in the Polish First League. The name means the Guard in Polish and also a name of river Warta on which Poznań is... |
0:1 | 3:2 |
| Wisła Kraków | 1:0 | 1:4 |
| Polonia Warszawa Polonia Warszawa Polonia Warsaw is a Polish sports club with football and basketball teams, founded in 1911, and is the oldest such club in Warsaw, where it is based.- History :... |
0:3 | 2:5 |
| Pogoń Lwów Pogon Lwów LKS Pogoń Lwów is a former Polish professional sports club which was located in Lwów , and existed from 1904 until the outbreak of World War II in 1939. It was the second oldest Polish football club behind other teams from Lwów - Czarni and Lechia... |
0:1 | 2:3 |
| AKS Chorzów AKS Chorzów AKS Chorzów is a sports club in based in Chorzów, Poland. It is one of the earliest sports organizations in Upper Silesia and is still well-known nationally for its football and handball teams... |
3:1 | 1:7 |
| Cracovia | 1:3 | 0:3 |
| Warszawianka Warszawianka Warszawa Klub Sportowy Warszawianka is a former Polish multi-sport club from Warsaw. Founded in 1921 by the famous Warsaw families of Luxemburgs and Loths . Hues - black-white, the logo consisted of a black capital letter W.-History:At first, the club's main effort was concentrated on football... |
4:1 | 2:6 |
| Łódzki KS | 4:0 | 1:1 |
Unfinished Play-Offs – 1939
After relegation, both the players and the officials had one aim, to get back to the top league. In the regional games, Śmigły proved its quality, winning all 4 games against WKS Grodno (5–0 and 9–0) and KPW Ognisko Pinsk (6–0 and 7–0). Then, in the play-offs, it faced Śląsk Świętochłowice, Junak DrohobyczJunak Drohobycz
Junak Drohobycz was a Polish soccer team, located in Drohobycz , on the historic territory of Kresy Wschodnie . It was disbanded by the Soviet occupying authorities in the fall of 1939, following Soviet attack on Eastern Poland...
and Legia Poznań
Legia Poznan
Legia Poznań is a defunct Polish football club from Poznań. Founded in 1922, Legia was the second strongest team in the city of Poznań, behind Warta Poznań...
(out of these 4 teams, 3 were going to be promoted). Unfortunately, by 1 September 1939, only 2 rounds took place. On 13 August 1939 Śmigły lost at Świętochłowice 1–2 and then, at home beat Legia 5–1 (on 20 August 1939). It was the last game of this club in the history of Polish soccer and it was attended by some 3000 fans, as Przeglad Sportowy
Przeglad Sportowy
Przeglad Sportowy is the oldest and largest Polish sports daily, founded in 1921 in Kraków. In 1926 it initiated an annual, popular plebiscite for the Polish Sportspersonality of the Year...
wrote. Chronicles inform us of dates of next play-offs games (like on 10 September , away at Drohobycz).
On 1 September 1939, Germany invaded Poland. On 17 September, the Soviet Union did the same. The history of Polish soccer in Wilno came to an end.