Ryszard Kowenicki

Ryszard Stefan Kowenicki (born 22 December 1948) is a Polish former professional footballer. He played both as a defender and later as an attacking midfielder. He played football in Poland, most prominently for Widzew Łódź, before transferring to English club Oldham Athletic in 1979, and he later played in Denmark with both Viborg FF and Nakskov BK.

Early life Kowenicki was born in Łódź, Poland, on 22 December 1948. He was part of the Widzew Łódź team that took part in the 1977–78 UEFA Cup; he provided an assist in their first round victory over Manchester City, and scored in a second round defeat to PSV Eindhoven. He played in the UEFA Cup again in the 1979–80 season. He scored 5 times in 42 league appearances for Oldham. following a falling-out with the club chairman over Kowenicki's request for an improved contract.

After football Kowenicki settled in Denmark after the end of his playing career. Whilst living in Poland, he obtained a civil engineering degree from the Łódź University of Technology, and despite obtaining a master's degree from the Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education, Warsaw in view of a career in football coaching, he continued to work as a civil engineer.

Style of play Throughout much of his career in Poland, Kowenicki played as a defender (though he would regularly join the attack), but he was used as an attacking midfielder at Oldham Athletic. During his time at Oldham, he was noted for powerful shots and also for his throw-in technique.