from the lower working class of society, whereas Botev's fanbase consisted mainly of the middle and upper classes, although that no longer applies. Botev's regional cross-city rival is Beroe Stara Zagora. The match between the two clubs was dubbed as the "Thracian Derby" over the years. The club also has a strong rivalry with Levski Sofia and CSKA Sofia, as the three of which compete to be the most popular teams in the country. Botev fans have friendly relations with Aris Thessaloniki fans. In January 2020 a group of Botev fan that attended a game between Aris and their rival PAOK Thessaloniki was attacked by PAOK fans. One Botev fan was killed by a car. Two individuals were arrested and charged with murder. Players Current squad For recent transfers, see Transfers summer 2022 and Transfers winter 2022–23. Out on loan Foreign players Up to twenty foreign nationals can be registered and given a squad number for the first team in the Bulgarian First League, however only five non-EU nationals can be used during a match day. Those non-EU nationals with European ancestry can claim citizenship from the nation their ancestors came from. If a player does not have European ancestry he can claim Bulgarian citizenship after playing in Bulgaria for 5 years. Second-team squad Retired numbers 8* – Todor Nedelev 12 – Dedicated to the club's supporters * Retired until the player is actively playing and decides to return. Honours Domestic Bulgarian State Football Championship/A Group: Winners (2): 1929, 1966–67 Runners-up (2): 1962–63, 1985–86 Third place (14): 1930, 1937, 1943, 1956, 1960–61, 1980–81, 1982–83, 1984–85, 1986–87, 1987–88, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95, 2021–22 Bulgarian Cup: Winners (3): 1961–62, 1980–81, 2016–17 Runners-up (10): 1947, 1956, 1962–63, 1963–64, 1983–84, 1990–91, 1992–93, 1994–95, 2013–14, 2018–19 Bulgarian Supercup: Winners (1): 2017 Runners-up (1): 2014 Soviet Army Cup: Runners-up (1): 1990 European Balkans Cup: Winners (1): 1972 Runners-up (1): 1980–81 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: Quarter-finalists: 1962–63 Summary UEFA ranking Past seasons 67 seasons in A Group 5 seasons in B Group 2 seasons in V Group Club officials Head coaches Key * Served as caretaker manager. The table below is a list of the last ten Botev Plovdiv managers. Chairmen Records Note: For a complete list of Botev Plovdiv players, see :Category:Botev Plovdiv players. Player of the year References External links Official website Profile at UEFA Profile at FIFA Football clubs in Bulgaria Association football clubs established