Celje's youngsters brought to the fore as Perić makes way

Famous Serbian goalkeeper Dejan Perić will end his playing career at the end of the season, but will stay in Celje Pivovarna Laško, in a different role.

The 2004 VELUX EHF Champions League from Celje will continue with the strategy in the transfer market that they set last year.

The strategy involves avoiding older or average players, and rather focusing on young Slovenian talents.

Manager Roman Pungartnik and coach Vladan Matić composed a young team this season that is showing great stamina despite a lack of experience.

In the build up to Christmas, Celje will extend contracts with players whose contracts are expiring.

Dejan Perić will finish his career and continue working in Zlatorog hall in a different role next season. After his injury and operation it is not clear yet, if he will be able to play in goal anytime this season before his contract ends.

Celje extened contracts with Matevž Skok and Nikola Ranevski, but Serbian pivot Alem Toskić will leave Celje at the end of the season.

"The economic situation does not allow us to keep him. It is important for us to work smoothly in the club, so we have to be rational," explained Pungartnik.

There are three young players in this position, Vid Poteko, Igor Žabič, and Blaž Blagotinšek. "We will focus on back court players as we need shooters from distance," adds head manager.

The Slovenian club are trying to return to the big stage and win the Slovenian title with a team of youngsters.

In the VELUX EHF Champions League they managed to shock defending champions THW Kiel. It was a sign that club's strategy is certainly working.