“At the request of Pavel Gross, we decided to expand the coaching team by one more experienced coach. Otakar Vejvoda is a person incredibly addicted to hockey. He got along very well with Pavel Gross and we believe that he will be an asset to the functioning of our team. His main role should be in the preparation of special game situations, especially in power-ups,” Tomáš Divíšek, head of the sports department, told Sparta’s club website.
The 51-year-old Vejvoda lived in Sweden for years, where he also “learned” the coaching trade and got his first job. Two years ago, Jaromír Jágr lured him back to the Czech Republic, but after two participations in the play-off, his Kladno mission ended recently.
“It was only a few days ago that Pavel Gross called me. Then it went quickly. By that time, I had already learned that I would not continue in Kladno with the A-team, we also discussed the possibility of continuing in the role of youth head coach. It was the end of April, I had a few offers from Sweden, but now I wanted to stay in the Czech Republic,” explains Vejvoda.
Sparta was the only extra-league alternative for him. “I would have no need to go to other engagements than two extra-league teams. To Kladno and to Sparta. My dad played for her, I went to watch him in the Sports Hall. That was during my teenage years, from 1981 to 1986. I’ve loved it here ever since. I still remember how I used to sing the song Tarzan Boy after goals here as a kid.”
It still sounds after goals today.
