Paide Linnameeskond has officially named Vladimir Vassiljev as the club’s new head coach during the ongoing 2025 season. The Estonian returns home after coaching abroad in Slovakia, bringing with him a strong track record in both domestic and international football. Nikita Brõlin, who previously worked alongside Vassiljev at ŠTK Šamorín and FC Nõmme United, joins the coaching staff as his assistant.
This announcement comes just days after Paide parted ways with Ivan Stojkovic on Monday. Speculation immediately swirled around Vassiljev, who has returned to Estonia following a stint in Slovakia with second-tier side ŠTK Šamorín. According to Vassiljev, he had offers from three clubs—two domestic and one abroad—but ultimately chose Paide, a decision aligned with the vision of Paide’s sporting director, Gert Kams.
Kams had earlier suggested that current assistant coaches Tarmo Kink and Ats Sillaste could take a more prominent role, but with Vassiljev now in charge, the club is opting for a more structured and experienced leadership team. Kink and Sillaste will remain on staff, bringing continuity to the coaching setup.
“I’ll give everything I have to achieve both our short- and long-term goals,” Vassiljev told the club’s press office. “I believe I have the experience needed for this challenge. The season is still long, and I’m confident we can be successful. I know the team and the environment well, and I see huge potential in both. But success won’t come without daily effort—we have to get better every day. This is a reset, and we’re moving forward toward our highest ambitions.”
Kams emphasized Vassiljev’s broad experience: “Vladimir has built up a strong coaching résumé both domestically and abroad. He’s been in similar situations before and understands how to guide a team through them. His footballing philosophy aligns well with our identity and goals. His vision for youth development is also something we value highly.”
Club president Veiko Veskimäe echoed that sentiment: “Two years ago, we set a goal to take the next step in our development—one that would eventually bring a league title to Paide. Under Ivan, the coaching staff laid the foundation for long-term success. Now, it’s time for a new energy to take us the rest of the way. Welcome, Vova and Nikita. Let’s build momentum.”
At 37 years old, Vassiljev brings a wealth of experience at such a young age. He began his coaching career in 2016 with Tallinna FCI Levadia, where he worked his way up from youth and reserve teams to a co-head coach role of the first team. Between 2020 and 2022, alongside Marko Savic, he led Levadia to a Premium Liiga title, Evald Tipner Cup, and Estonian Supercup. After a successful season with FC Nõmme United, where he won the Esiliiga in 2023, he moved abroad to Šamorín.
Vassiljev also has national team experience, having served as assistant coach with the Estonian men’s national team in 2020 under Karel Voolaid. Now, back on home soil, he’s tasked with steering Paide toward silverware and sustained excellence.
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