Dariusz Żuraw


Dariusz Żuraw is a Polish football manager, currently for Lech Poznań, and former player.

Club career

Born in Wieluń, Żuraw began his career in his native Poland, playing for a succession of lower league teams: LZS Ostrówek, LZS Rychłocice, WKS Wieluń, Okocimski KS Brzesko, Zagłębie Lubin.
He was spotted by Hannover 96, then of 2. Bundesliga, and moved there on 24 October 2001, making his debut a month later on 28 November 2001 in a DFB-Pokal tie against VfL Wolfsburg II. He immediately enjoyed success, as the club won promotion, comfortably finishing as champions.
Żuraw's first game at the top level was also a memorable occasion as he scored after just 6 minutes against Hamburger SV.
He was a regular fixture in defence during his seven seasons with Hannover 96; in 2004–05, he was just one game away from being an ever-present.
In 2008, he transferred to the Polish Ekstraklasa club Arka Gdynia, on a free transfer from Hannover 96.

International career

Żuraw made one appearance for the full Poland national football team, in a 1–3 friendly defeat to Belarus on 9 February 2005.