Paide Linnameeskond

Paide Linnameeskond, or simply Paide, is an Estonian professional football club based in Paide that competes in the Meistriliiga, the top flight of Estonian football. The club's home ground is Paide linnastaadion.

Founded in 2004, the club has played in the Meistriliiga since 2009 and has never been relegated. Paide Linnameeskond have won one Estonian Cup in 2021–22, and one Estonian Supercup in 2023.

Early history (2004–2016)
Paide Linnameeskond was founded in 2004 as a satellite club of Flora. The team entered the Western division of the IV liiga and saw four consecutive promotions from 2005 to 2008, when they were promoted to the Meistriliiga. Paide Linnameeskond finished their first season in the Estonian top flight in ninth place, but escaped relegation by defeating Warrior 2–1 on aggregate in the play-offs. In July 2010, former Paide Linnameeskond player Meelis Rooba was appointed as manager and in 2013, Estonian entrepreneur Veiko Veskimäe became the club's president.

Paide reached the 2014–15 Estonian Cup final, but lost to Nõmme Kalju 0–2. Rooba resigned as manager after the 2016 season and was replaced by another former player, Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko.

Professionalism, Europe and first trophies (2017–present)
Under Zahovaiko, Paide Linnameeskond transitioned into a professional football club and established themselves as one of the top teams in the top flight, finishing 5th in 2018 and 4th in 2019, earning their first ever European place finish. Paide made their debut in Europe on 27 August 2020 against Žalgiris, losing 0–2 in the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round. The club earned their first league medals in 2020 by finishing the season in 2nd place. Zahovaiko left Paide after leading the club to third in the 2021 season, being replaced by former player and Estonian national team coach Karel Voolaid.

In June 2021, Paide Linnameeskond announced its formal affiliation with the Gambian football club Real de Banjul. Throughout the cooperation between Paide Linnameeskond and Real de Banjul, multiple Gambian footballers have used Paide as a stepping stone, including Alassana Jatta and Muhammed Sanneh. In July 2021, Paide notably signed ex-Liverpool F.C. defender Ragnar Klavan from Serie A side Cagliari Calcio.

On 21 May 2022, Paide lifted their first-ever trophy after defeating Nõmme Kalju 1–0 in the Estonian Cup final, with Siim Luts scoring the winning goal in the 109th minute. The 2022–23 season saw Paide win their first European ties against FC Dinamo Tbilisi and FC Ararat-Armenia in the Europa Conference League first and second qualifying rounds, both on penalties. Paide hosted European matches at both rounds at the 1,500-capacity Pärnu Rannastaadion due to their own 500-capacity Paide linnastaadion not meeting UEFA Category 2 Stadium requirements. Their third qualifying round home debut, a 0–2 defeat to R.S.C. Anderlecht of Belgium, was played at the 14,336-capacity Lilleküla Stadium.

Paide Linnameeskond started the 2023 season by winning their first Estonian Supercup in a 3–2 victory against Flora, but after a poor start to the league season, Voolaid was sacked in May and replaced with Serbian coach Ivan Stojković. Paide reached the 2023–24 Estonian Cup final, but lost 2–4 to FCI Levadia.

Stadium
Paide Linnameeskond's home ground is the 500-seat Paide linnastaadion. In 2021, Paide announced their plan to construct a new and modern football stadium, which the club is aiming to have ready by 2026. In winter and early spring months, Paide Linnameeskond play their home matches at the 438-seat Paide kunstmuruväljak artificial turf ground.

For European fixtures, Paide uses Pärnu Rannastaadion as their home ground due to Paide linnastaadion not meeting UEFA Category 2 Stadium requirements. The club has also used larger venues Kadriorg Stadium and A. Le Coq Arena as their home in their European ties.

Out on loan
For season transfers, see transfers summer 2024.

Honours

 * Estonian Cup
 * Winners (1): 2021–22
 * Runners-up (2): 2014–15, 2023–24
 * Estonian Supercup
 * Winners (1): 2023
 * Runners-up (1): 2021