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The Algarve will once again be represented in the upper echelons of Portuguese football in the 2009/10 season. Jorge Costa’s Olhanense had spent most of the season top of the pile in the Liga Vitalis (2nd division), and the 1-0 victory away at Gondomar yesterday guaranteed promotion and also the championship for the southerners. Since Faro-based club Farense were relegated seven years ago the Algarve has had no club in Portugal’s top division.

There is no doubt about the man who was the chief architect of the achievement. Former FC Porto and Portugal central defender, Jorge Costa, who was somewhat surprisingly sacked from his first coaching job by Braga last season, seems to be proving what most people associated with Portuguese football have long suspected – that he has the qualities to be a top quality coach. 

Amid scenes of jubilation yesterday immediately after the final whistle blew, the 37-year-old Costa spoke of his delight and was keen to share the plaudits with his players. 

“The anxiety levels, which were very high for some time, are now over. I always knew it would be a happy ending because working with these players and knowing them like I do, there was only ever going to be one ending. 

“The players have been fantastic. They understood what we wanted, put it into practice and have shown their quality throughout the season. 

“We knew we were very close to realising a dream, so it’s natural that there was a degree of suffering, on and off the pitch. I’m really really happy that after a 35-year wait I’ve put Olhanense back in the top division, and after seven or eight years I’ve put another Algarve club in the top division. 

“My future? I’ve built a strong group and of course I’d like to stay here, but certain conditions have to be fulfilled so that Olhanense can compete in the Liga Sagres and to make sure that in two years’ time the club is still in the top flight.”

source: http://www.portugoal.net