Edin SPRECO

Born in Sarajevo, Edin Spreco began his playing days with FK Zeljeznicar, a club in the then Yugoslavian 1st Division. He rapidly became first-choice there, scoring a brace on his professional debut, aged 17. A prolific marksman with his club, he was called up to the Yugoslavian National Team in 1967, earning two successive caps, scoring his first international goal in the process. After his beginnings in the national side, at the age of 20 years old, he would only be called up once more after that, two years later, in 1969. It would be his last call-up in the international set-up. He thus made three appearances, and scored two goals for his country. After 10 seasons, and one League Champions medal in 1972, he would leave and try his chance in the Netherlands in 1975, signing with NAC Breda for a season which was to prove to be disappointing. He returned to Yugoslavia and his original club, for a season which was much less prolific than his first spell. In 1977, he had a conclusive trial with Stade Rennais, who - at that time - were seeking to bolster their attacking options. He would have to wait some time, however, before he was given his First Team debut, mainly because of his contract which tied him to his former club until 6th December 1977. His first match in Rennes colours was thus in the 7th Round of the French Cup, against AS Brestoise (5-0) on 8th January 1978, and he managed to open his account in that goal with his first goal. He ended the season with five goals from ten appearances to his name. In the 1978/1979 season, he became an undisputed first-choice striker alongside Pokou. He finished the season as the club's top-scorer with 15 goals, despite missing several weeks owing to an extended break - unauthorised - for holidays. The club wanted his contract to be suspended, but he was drafted back into the team at the request of his team-mates. After a season-and-a-half at Rennes, with 20 goals in 38 appearances, he would leave Brittany, and France to return to his native Yugoslavia in 1979. He signed for NK Iskra where he would hang up his boots two years later. He subsequently became a scout for his first club, FK Zeljeznicar. He passed away in his native country 12th May 2020.