Did You Know: NK Celje

Queens Park Rangers are in Slovenia ready to face NK Celje in their second pre-season friendly, here is the low-down on the side.

Full Name: Nogometni Klub Celje

Founded: 1919

Ground: Arena Petrol (13,400)

* The club has changed its name three times since it was founded in 1919. Initially set-up as SK Celje in 1919 it went on to become NK Kladivar after the second world war in 1946. After Slovenia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1992 it changed to Publikum before finally becoming NK Celje in 2003.

* Celje`s highest placed finish in the Slovenian First Division was their second place in 2002-03, narrowly missing out on both the title and the Slovenian Cup, losing in the final.

* Celje have reached five domestic cup finals and picked up their solitary honour in 2004-05, beating NK Gorica 1-0 in the final.

* Their most prominent former player is West Bromwich Albion and Slovenia midfielder Robert Koren, he made 78 appearances for Grofje scoring 22 goals before moving to Norwegian outfit Lillestrøm.

* While they play their home games at Arena Petrol, Celje also own a second ground Skalna Klet, which they use for training.



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