FootyChatter.com

FC Noah came through every round of Conference League qualifying A new team named after a biblical character with input from Portugal legend Luis Figo, it is fair to say Chelsea will not face many more interesting opponents this season. Armenian outfit FC Noah come to Stamford Bridge for Thursday's Conference League league phase tie having made history to even be there. Of the 50 clubs in the first qualifying round they were the only one to make the play-offs - and they went one step further by reaching the tournament proper. They scored 18 goals in qualifying, including goalkeeper Ognjen Cancarevic registering with a long clearance against AEK Athens, and an 88th-minute winner with 10 men after blowing a 3-0 aggregate lead in their play-off. The Yerevan side have beaten Czechs Mlada Boleslav 2-0 and lost 1-0 at Rapid Vienna in their two league games to get them dreaming of the knockout rounds. They were formed as Artsakh in 2017, but changed name in 2019. During their brief existence they have also changed ownership and moved stadium - and even city - more than once. They won the Armenian Cup in 2020 - but had never gone through a European round before this season. And now they visit Stamford Bridge - with a team who have only been together a few months - for one of the biggest games in Armenian football history. Despite finishing second last season, only two points behind champions FC Pyunik, ambitious businessman Vardges Vardanyan changed manager - bringing in Portuguese Rui Mota - and a mostly new squad. In an overhaul that even Chelsea could only dream of, they signed 16 players this summer and another three in the first half of 2024. Nobody has been at the club for longer than two years. Mota, despite only being 45 years old, has already worked in Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Belgium, Brazil, Turkey, Iran, Croatia and Georgia. "Being in the Conference League is a spotlight for the club, to show ourselves to European football, because now everybody knows who Noah is, " he said. "The Chelsea game is a special moment because it means playing one of the best teams in European football. It's an honour to have this game. "It's a very special game for us, for Armenian football, for our fans, for our club. " Vardanyan - the founder of one of the country's largest IT companies - took charge of the club in August 2023, and almost instantly transformed them. "During the summer transfer window, we made a strategic decision to rebuild the team to align with our ambitious goals, " he told BBC Sport. "Starting with only nine players on 17 June, we worked tirelessly to strengthen the squad, ensuring it was ready and competitive for the Conference League. "This success drives us to set even higher goals, continue our development, and cement Noah's place among the leading clubs in European football. " He added: "Before the start of the European season, I set a goal for the team to reach the group stage of the Conference League. "Many viewed this as an unrealistic and nearly impossible target, but as you can see, despite all the challenges and obstacles, we have made it. " Vardanyan has loftier ambitions too. "Ultimately, my aim is to contribute to the growth of Armenian football and build a legacy that will serve future generations, " he said. "Today, our investments and resource allocation are unprecedented in the history of Armenian football. "My long-term goal with Noah is to establish a competitive club with a distinctive identity and presence on the European football map. "We aim to win every possible title and set new standards of excellence, from developing young talent to supporting the Armenian national team with top-level players from Noah. " Luis Figo visited Noah's academy last year - and was presented with a signed shirt. The club's logo has changed since then Davit Alaverdyan, chief editor of Mediamax Media Company in Yerevan, said: "Although the club was founded in 2017, in 2022-23 it was completely transformed with a new owner and management, so in that sense it can really be considered new. "Such a success is truly unprecedented. " Former Portugal, Real Madrid and Barcelona star Figo seems an unlikely name to be linked to an Armenian club side but club owner Vardanyan said: "Luis Figo was one of the first to support my vision of building this project. "He believed in the programme's success and offered his willingness to assist in key areas. We are friends and often discuss the club's development, with Figo providing valuable advice. "We have big plans with Figo, particularly in promoting Noah's young talents abroad and enhancing the club's international reputation. " The club's sudden rise and a nomadic history to date means their fanbase is still catching up. They have had several different stadiums, in capital Yerevan, plus Armavir and currently Abovyan. Their European games are being played at the Republican Stadium in Yerevan, and they are building a new stadium in nearby city Echmiatsin. "Until recently, the team did not have many fans, but success on the international stage has led to the number increasing with each game, " said journalist Alaverdyan. "A stadium for 20, 000 people, as well as a football academy, is being built near Yerevan. " And the biblical name of the club? The Old Testament says Noah’s Ark landed on Mount Ararat - which is just over the border in modern Turkey and dominates the Yerevan horizon. Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion in the fourth century. "A significant part of Armenia is located in the Ararat Valley, so the themes of Ararat, Noah and his Ark have sacred meaning for Armenians, " said Alaverdyan. Captain Hovhannes Hambardzumyan is one of their longest serving players, having joined in August 2023. "Being part of Noah's project is something special for all of us, " said the 34-year-old Armenia right-back. "We are not just playing football; we are playing for our nation, our pride, our homeland, and our tricolour flag, striving to elevate the name of Noah in the world of football. " Latest Chelsea news, analysis and fan views Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Champions League highlights, strange penalties, debate and reaction as Arsenal and Villa beaten 'We were harshly done by' - but how much have Arsenal missed Odegaard? West Indies hammer England in series decider Get the latest news from the US election Donald Trump is poised to make a historic comeback not seen in the US in more than a century To catch a killer, you need to read between the lies Criminal profiler, Louise Bergstein, is back with another puzzling case Are prenuptial agreements worth it? Martin Lewis asks specialists your questions about marriage and divorce Krept, Konan and DJ Target hunt for the UK's next rap star There'll be fresh talent, epic challenges and one amazing opportunity 'We were harshly done by' - but how much have Arsenal missed Odegaard? 'Biggest mistake I've seen' - farcical end to Mings' dream night How are Saudi Arabia's WTA Finals unfolding? Trump and Musk can bring peace to golf - Mc Ilroy Brest's 'magic' rise from amateur football to Champions League IOC says Khelif preparing legal action after new eligibility claims Hat-trick hero Gyokeres' rise from Brighton reject to Sporting star Slot outshines Alonso at Anfield as dream start continues I'm more grateful for each day - Sir Chris Hoy Why did Hamilton struggle when Russell was competitive? Choose your favourite goal from FA Cup first round Kansas City Chiefs remain unbeaten after overtime win. Video Kansas City Chiefs remain unbeaten after overtime win Why are Forest so good this season - and can it last? Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week? Which was the greatest F1 wet-weather drive? 'No creation & millions wasted on recruitment - Amorim's mammoth task' 'Him against the world' - how Vinicius Jr's fight goes beyond football 'Norris' hopes crushed by Verstappen performance for the ages' Can 'misinterpreted' Fernandes fit in to Amorim's Man Utd? Video Can 'misinterpreted' Fernandes fit in to Amorim's Man Utd? 'All eyes on Middle East at pivotal time after Hull’s Saudi win' © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.