was not enough, as the team placed 14th, three points behind Etar, thus was relegated again. To date, this is the last appearance in the top level for Maritsa. Second and Third Levels Since then, Maritsa have largely played in the lower categories of Bulgarian football, mainly in the third level, with occasional appearances in the second tier. The club is particularly famous for its renowned youth program that has produced many Bulgarian talents over the years – Hristo Stoichkov, Dinko Dermendzhiev, Aleksandar Aleksandrov. Bulgarian national first-team players Georgi Georgiev, Kostadin Vidolov, Krassimir Chomakov, Valeri Domovchiyski, Yordan Todorov, Asen Nikolov had also came through the ranks at Maritsa. 2017–present: Return to professional football In 2016–17 Third League season Maritsa Plovdiv finished second in their regional division, but gained promotion, because the first ranked team – FC Zagorets declined the offer to participate in the Second Professional League. On 16 June 2017 the club signed a contract with Botev Plovdiv for collaboration. Botev sent 5 players on loan and allowed Maritsa to play their home games on their training base, the Botev 1912 Football Complex, until Maritsa Stadium is altered for professional matches. Maritsa was, however, relegated back to the third tier after only one season in the second league. Honours Domestic A Group / Bulgarian First League: Fourtheenth (2): 1969–70, 1996–97 Bulgarian Cup: Semifinals (1): 1996–97 Past seasons League positions Current squad For recent transfers, see Transfers summer 2022. Personnel Current technical body Famous players Hristo Stoichkov Valeri Domovchiyski Krassimir Chomakov Kostadin Vidolov Aleksandar Aleksandrov Yordan Todorov Dinko Dermendzhiev Petar Kurdov Zapryan Rakov Georgi Georgiev Asen Nikolov Georgi Georgiev Hristov Note: For a complete list of Maritsa players, see :Category:FC Maritsa Plovdiv players. References External links Official Facebook Page Club Profile at bgclubs.eu Association football clubs established in 1921 Football clubs in Bulgaria 1921 establishments in Bulgaria