Fans and former players laid flowers at the Pavel Sadyrin memorial

The 18th of September is the birthday of Zenit's legendary manager, Pavel Sadyrin. On what would have been his 75th birthday, fans and former players paid tribute to him.
As a player, Sadyrin played for the blue-white-sky blues 333 times and as manager he led the team to their first-ever league title in 1984.

Today's ceremony to make his birthday was attended by his son, Denis, who thanked the fans for their attendance. "I am very glad that so many people have remembered my father for such a long time," said Denis Sadyrin. "I remember him as an excellent father, but his friends and colleagues think of him as a great player and coach. I want to express my gratitude to all the fans who still remember my father. Thank you so much!"

Vyacheslav Bulavin, who played along with Pavel Sadyrin and worked with him in Zenit coaching staff said; "for a long time, Pavel and I played in the team together, and he remained true to the club until the last days. On the field, he was known for his efficiency, his dedication and his coolness. He was a true and honest man. He was sincere to his profession and to his friends and he will remain forever in our hearts."

Boris Chukhlov, who played under Sadyrin as part of the 1984 title winning side also attended the ceremony, he said; "when I was 17, Pavel Fedorovich took me to the reserve team and that was fantastic. He was the father of the team. He was very demanding in training and so kind away from the pitch. He would give the players a lift home in his car. I am very grateful to Pavel Sadyrin for what he did for me, as well as for those who have come here today and for those who remember him."

As part of the ceremony the club added a souvenir to the club museum - a plate with the anthem of the USSR, issued specially for the 1980 Olympics. This souvenir belonged to Pavel Sadyrin and he received it the day he last led a football team onto the field, in a match against Zenit.