Monday, 17 December 2007 2:28 PM
South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of the experienced and highly rated Sam Poutakidis from the Oakleigh Cannons for the 2008 Foxtel Cup season.
Poutakidis began his senior career back in 1999 with the Springvale White Eagles, with his exceptional performances convincing the then-powerful VPL outfit Port Melbourne to sign him.
In his three seasons and 64 games with Port Melbourne, Poutakidis proved himself to be one of the best defensive full backs in the state, whilst also having the ability to push forward at will and assist Port in any attacking move.
His form in the VPL saw South Melbourne recruit Sam to represent the club in the now defunct National Soccer League during season 2002/03. After initially finding it tough to break into the senior team, a determined Poutakidis set out to impress the coaching staff and by the start of the 2003/04 season had proven himself to be a valuable member of the starting 11. In those two seasons at South, Poutakidis played 30 games and scored 2 goals.
Following the conclusion of the National Soccer League, Poutakidis opted to join the Oakleigh Cannons in the VPL. In his recent 3 season spell with the Cannons, he continued to prove himself as a hard working defender.
With the signing of Sam, SMFC believes that it has acquired an experienced, motivated and exceptional defender, as well as an individual that will provide genuine leadership to all the young players, with his exceptional work ethic and personality being two of his highly regarded aspects.
Sam himself is excited at the prospect of re-joining the famous Blue and Whites, saying “I am delighted to be returning to South Melbourne after 4 years away from the club. I experienced my most enjoyable and memorable times on and off the field at South Melbourne in the NSL and I look to re-create those moments for the remainder of my career at South. I am confident the club is now heading in the right direction under the guidance of new President Leo Athanasakis and Football Director Jim Marinis, who has built a young and exciting squad that I believe will challenge for the title in 2008.”
SMFC would like to wish Sam all the best for the upcoming Foxtel Cup season and urge all supporters to sign up for the 2008 season, which promises to be an exciting one for all concerned.