Monday, 24 March 2003 12:00 AM
South Melbourne Soccer Club has secured its first signing of the pre-season. Inspiring goalkeeper, Eugene Galekovic has committed himself to the club, agreeing on a new two-year contract.
“This is fantastic news for the Club in our endeavours to re-sign players from our existing squad”, Club President, Peter Mitrakas.
Twenty-year-old Galekovic played 15 matches this season, making giant strides and showing much potential and continued improvement. He established himself as a first team regular and gained valuable experience this season.
The young keeper is delighted with his signing and looks forward to the next two seasons at Lakeside.
“I am delighted with the new deal and to be part of the immediate future of Australia’s most successful soccer club. I believe the club will re-establish itself as a force within the League next season. South Melbourne fans demand and deserve success and I confidently predict continued success is around the corner”, says Galekovic.
“Playing regular football for South Melbourne will give me a pathway to Socceroo representation. I hope to improve on my performances of last season, to attract the attention of Mr. Farina and be part of the Olyroos set up”.
Young Socceroo coach Ange Postecoglou has taken notice of Galekovic’s performances this season, as the young goalkeeper strives for National Team representation.
“Galekovic had a good year and was noticed by Frank Farina, myself and the National Team coaches. With the 2004 Olympics around the corner, he is certainly contention and will need to be consistent next season”, says Ange Postecoglou.
South Melbourne’s Football Operations Department will speak to classy midfielder Con Boutsianis next and will try to lock in a long-term deal with the enigmatic former Socceroo.
The Club is assembling a coaching selection committee to commence interviews for the vacant coaching position. Interviews will commence with a fortnight.
Football Operations Manager Manny Anezakis is predicting a busy period as the Club determines it’s new coach, continues the process of re-signing uncontracted players from its existing squad and looks to strengthen the squad upon the appointment of its new senior coach.
“We have placed an enormous priority on re-signing our players over the next two months. Galekovic is the first in a string of players and we are dedicated to promptly speaking to the entire squad”, says Anezakis.