Club Statement: Hugo Cruz
Hugo Cruz has made the heartfelt decision to step down as Head Coach of the Dragoons, a move accepted by the board with great sadness following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
Early Influence
A true legend of the club since its formation in 2016, Hugo has worn many hats during his time with the Dragoons. Injuries unfortunately cut short his on-field career, though he remained an ever-present figure, firstly as part of Ashvin Asani’s coaching staff during the club’s early days in Klasa B.
He briefly returned to the pitch in 2023, memorably scoring in the Fenix Trophy against Afc DWS, before a recurring knee injury brought his playing days to a close for good.
Stepping Up in a Time of Transition
After Asani’s departure in May 2023, Hugo took on the role of Interim Head Coach, and later assumed the position in full. Despite being handed a squad in transition, Hugo led the Dragoons to a 6th-place finish in Klasa A Kraków Grupa I in his first full season in charge.
But Hugo’s impact stretched far beyond the touchline. Following the resignation of former Club President Alex Băcica, Hugo became the glue effectively holding the Dragoons together. He oversaw training, matchday logistics, and long-term planning, often with little consistent support.
In addition to leading the first team, he took on the roles of administrator, organiser, and strategist, frequently running training sessions and matchday preparation on his own. The phrase “the loneliest job in football” rang painfully true at times. Yet Hugo bore the burden with integrity and professionalism, making countless unseen personal sacrifices along the way.
Through it all, he remained committed to the club’s core values of unity, integrity, and inclusivity and worked tirelessly to instil those ideals in the team. It was a demanding, often thankless task, but one Hugo carried out with quiet determination and unwavering commitment.
A New Chapter Ahead
We extend our sincere thanks to Hugo for his tireless dedication, professionalism, and passion for the club. He has been instrumental in shaping the identity and culture of the Dragoons, both on and off the pitch and leaves the role with the respect and admiration from all of the board.
Thankfully, this is not goodbye. Hugo will remain at the core of the Dragoons, taking on the position of Director of Football and continuing to contribute to the long-term vision of the club.
The club is currently in discussions regarding a successor, and an announcement will be made in due course.
