Following today's UEFA Conference League First Qualifying Round draw, we can confirm we will face Paide Linnameeskond of Estonia!
So, who are Paide Linnameeskond?
Paide Linnameeskond, or better known as 'Paide' are a professional Estonian side based in Paide and compete in the Meistriliiga, the top division of Estonian football.
The club was founded in 2004 and managed four consecutive promotions, ultimately earning promotion to the Meistriliiga in 2009, where they have remained ever since. Their biggest achievements include winning the Estonian Cup in the 2021-22 season and an Estonian Super Cup in 2023.
Currently, the team are managed by Serbian coach Ivan Stojkovic who took over from former Estonia National Team coach Karel Voolaid, in May of 2023.
Paide are currently halfway through their domestic season in the Meistriliiga and sit just outside of the European qualifications spots in 4th place. Their current top scorer is 23 year old Estonian forward Robi Saarma, who has 10 goals in 17 appearances so far this season. The majority of Paide's squad is made up of Estonian nationals, with a small number of their home grown talent having represented their country at some level. Their squad also has a small number of Gambian, Dutch, Ghanaian, Serbian and Cameroon nationals.
This will be Paide's 5th European campaign, with their first qualification coming in the 2020-21 season where they would face defeat to Lithuanian side FK Zalgiris in a one legged tie. However, their best European campaign came in the 2022-23 season where they would make the Third Qualifying Round following victories against Dinamo Tbilisi of Georgia and Ararat-Armenia, but would ultimately be knocked out by Belgium giants Anderlecht in the Third Qualifying Round.
Due to Paide's home ground not meeting UEFA Stadium Criteria, they have previously played their European fixtures at the Pärnu Rannastaadion in Pärnu which holds a capacity of just over 1500. However, Paide have also used larger venues such as Kadriorg Stadium and A. Le Coq Arena for their European ties.
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