Mitko Dobrev (Bulgarian: Митко Добрев) is a Bulgarian football manager. Mitko Dobrev attended the National Sports Academy "Vasil Levski" where he studied Physical Therapy and Coaching in 1977-1981. Mitko Dobrev holds an UEFA A Licence and is a part of the Bulgarian Football Union. Having managed mostly in Africa, he has expressed hopes that he will someday coach in Asia to diversify his coaching experience.[1] Retired manager Ivan Vutsov helped Dobrev when he first went to Ghana to coach [1] Accra Hearts of Oak F.C. the team had an unbeaten record of 22 matches and went on to become Champions of the Ghana Premier League in 2006-2007, Mitko Dobrev was awarded Manager of the Year Ghana.
Dobrev managed a number of clubs in his homeland of Bulgaria before going to Africa.[2]
While in charge of Hearts of Oak, he invaded the pitch, whereupon he was called up for a disciplinary hearing in 2007. It was in a game opposing Tema Youth.[3] Heartland FC dismissed the Bulgarian tactician from his role in 2009, adducing differences with the management and a poor run of results as the reasons for his sacking.[4]
In 2009, Mitko joined Lobi Stars F.C. of the Nigerian Premier League.[5]
National sides such as Togo, Benin, Eritrea, and Uganda have shown interest in the 63-year old but financial conditions have not satisfied him.[1]
Leaving Ifeanyi Ubah F.C. in 2015, he went to the Nigerian League Management Company to supplicate for assistance in making Ifeanyi Ubah give him a severance pay of 5000 US dollars.[6]
Returning to Ifeanyi Ubah F.C. in 2016,[7] he was convinced that they would secure qualification for the 2017 CAF Champions League.[8] Instead, he guided his team to Ifeanyi Ubah's first Nigerian Federation Cup championship[9] and met King Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III who complimented his virtues as coach in the ceremony.[1]
Dobrev has rejected rumours that he is leaving Ifeanyi Ubah F.C. in 2016 as he is still the technical advisor of the club.[10]