Wednesday, 9 July 2008 1:56 PM
By John Kyrou
Sam Poutakidis is set to play his 50th match for the club when he takes to the field against Green Gully at Green Gully Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
Poutakidis began his senior career back in 1999 with the Springvale White Eagles before progressing to the then-powerful Port Melbourne side in the VPL. His form with the Sharks saw South initially recruit Sam to represent the club in the now defunct National Soccer League during season 2002/03. After struggling for regular first team football, Poutakidis turned things around in the 2003/04 season to prove himself as a valuable member of the starting 11.
After a three-season spell with the Oakleigh Cannons, Poutakidis decided to return to Bob Jane Stadium to represent South in 2008. Although the blue and whites have struggled with consistency and results throughout the season so far, Sam has been one of the shining lights by constantly producing excellent individual performances with his exceptional work-rate in defence and moving forward to help with attacking moves.
Saturday’s match at Green Gully is already looming as a massive test, as a positive result could potentially see South sneak into the top six for the first time this season. Poutakidis’ 50th match will no doubt give the away side even more reason to fire up and get a much-needed win in order to erase the enormous disappointment of the 1-2 home loss against Preston in the previous round.
The board, players, staff and supporters would all like to congratulate Sam Poutakidis for his 50 matches for South and wish him, the other players and the coaching staff all the best for Saturday’s match and for the rest of the season.
Sam Poutakidis Statistics:
DOB: 31st July 1976
Position: Defender
Seasons at Club: 3 (2002/03 to 2003/04, 2008)
Breakdown:
2002/03 (NSL): 5 games (4 starts, 1 sub), 0 goals
2003/04 (NSL): 25 games (22 starts, 3 subs), 2 goals
2008 (VPL): 19 games (19 starts, 0 subs), 3 goals
TOTAL: 49 games (45 starts, 4 subs), 5 goals