Lubomir Michalik

Lubomir Michalik (born 13 August 1983) is a Slovak professional footballer who plays for as a centre-back for Slovak Sered.

Club Career

Bolton Wanderers

Michalik was born in Cadca. He signed for Bolton Wanderers in January 2007 from Senec of Slovakia on a three and a half-year contract for an undisclosed transfer fee. On 28 April 2007, Michalik scored his first and only goal for Bolton, in a 2–2 away draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Leeds United

In March 2007, Michalik made a loan switch to Leeds United on a one-month loan deal. The defender's performances earned a great deal of credit from the Leeds faithful, particularly due to his match-winning goal on 7 April in a 2–1 victory over Plymouth Argyle. As a result of his strong performances, then Leeds manager Dennis Wise extended the Slovakian's loan deal until the end of the season, although Bolton recalled Michalik back due to a spate of injuries to their first choice centre-backs. Michalik played the rest of the season with Bolton and even managed to score against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. During his spell back at Bolton, Leeds were relegated to League 1.

Wise continued to reiterate his liking for the player, and attempted to re-sign the defender in the January 2008 transfer window. A deal was reported to be closed, believed to be involving a £500,000 fee, when Wise left the manager's post to head for Newcastle United. However, upon the appointment of Gary McAllister as Leeds boss, the Yorkshire side remained insistent on their determination to sign the Slovak. On the final day of the transfer window, a deal was concluded and Michalik signed a three-and-a-half-year deal. Bolton seemed willing to sell having recruited Gary Cahill as a replacement. Michalik made 13 first-team appearances in the 2007–08 season.

Michalik managed to establish himself as one of Leeds' first-choice defenders, often partnering Paul Huntington. On 6 September 2008, Michalik was sent off in a m

This page also has a version in other languages :  Любомир Михалик (russian)