Until 1973, BKS Stal remained in the regional leagues, either 4th or 3rd level. In 1973, its football team won promotion to the Second Division. With a new, extremely wealthy sponsor (Fabryka Samochodow Malolitrazowych), Stal had a new manager, Antoni Piechniczek, who worked there in 1973–1975. In its first season, Stal was close to the promotion to the Ekstraklasa, finishing the year in the second spot, only behind GKS Tychy. In 1974, very talented goalkeeper Józef Młynarczyk joined BKS, to remain there until 1977. Stal remained in the Second Division for 5 years, to be relegated in mid-1978.