Belgrade, January 6, 2004 (Reuters) - Serbia and Montenegro champions Partizan Belgrade named the club's former stalwart Vladimir Vermezovic as their manager on Tuesday.
Vermezovic, who played for Partizan in the 1980s, took over after last month's resignation of Lothar Matthaeus, who stepped down after they failed to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.
Vermezovic has so far coached third division side Teleoptik Belgrade, a club used by Partizan to recruit young talent for their first team.
He said he was delighted to take over as head coach, adding that his appointment came as no surprise.
"I'm absolutely thrilled and honoured with the immense responsibility now resting on my shoulders. I expected this, maybe not so soon but I've been preparing myself for this job," he told reporters.
"I know that Partizan have set very high standards, but I have no fear whatsoever even though this is an entirely different level. I know what the club's ambitions are and we will do our best to live up to expectations."
Partizan were second in the first division at the winter break, three points behind bitter city rivals Red Star, and have reached the national cup quarter-finals.
