Education
In 1993, Kovtun chose Dynamo Moscow and was their key player for years, until his move to Spartak in 1999.
In 1993, Kovtun chose Dynamo Moscow and was their key player for years, until his move to Spartak in 1999.
He works as an assistant manager with Football Club Tosno. Kovtun"s career started in minor Russian club Luch Azov in 1988. Then he proceed his career as professional player in Football Club SKA Rostov-na-Donu and Football Club Rostselmash Rostov-on-Don.
In 1992, Rostselmash and Kovtun starred in first Russian championship where they unexpectedly promoted to 8th place.
Kovtun was impressive during the season so two top teams were interested in him at the same time, it"s Dynamo and Spartak Moscow. While the only Kovtun"s honour during 6 years in Dynamo was Russian Cup in 1995, he could get 3 titles in 1999, 2000 and 2001 after joining Spartak.
Moreover, he took part in numerous Union of European Football Associations Champions League games and found himself regular Russian national football team player. Kovtun played for Russian international team 50 times, scoring 2 goals.
Most notable moments of his international career were long shot goal to Yugoslavia during 2002 World Cup qualifier and own goal in 0–1 away loss to Iceland Euro 2000 qualifying.
He was a part of Russian squad in the Euro 96 and World Cup 2002 finals. Kovtun was sent off in Euro 96 for a lunge at Germany"s Dieter Eilts. Kovtun"s strong points as a defender always was great tackling, tight marking of opponents and making own goals in the crutial matches.
The main weakness of his game throughout his career was a lack of pace and acceleration.
Another drawback from the lack of speed was that he often had to play too dirty so he could easily gain yellow card or even being sent off (he holds Russian record for amount of bookings). During 2005, Spartak"s veteran couldn"t gain first team place and most of the season played for reserves.
In January 2006 he left Spartak Moscow for just relegated into Russian First Division Alania Vladikavkaz. He retired in 2007 and became a manager for Football Club Ministry of the Interior Rossii Moscow.
Football Club Ministry of the Interior advanced to Russian First Division under his supervision.
8 June 2009, Kovtun resigned from Football Club Ministry of the Interior manager position and was replaced by Vladimir Eshtrekov. 1999 2000 2001 Russian Premier League.