Author: SMFC Media

Thursday, 14 August 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South have continued their pre-season dominance comfortably accounting for State 1 battlers Northcote City with the final score ending up 4 goals to Nil in favour of the Lakesiders.

The game was played in atrocious conditions with both the pitch and lighting well below par.

Standouts for South were Coveny and Murdocca, both players have been in great pre-season form and have showed ominous signs that come the start of the season proper both will be crucial to South’s plight. Vince Lia also deserves a mention for a more than competent display.

South trialists Steve Lawrie, Marcus Stergiopoulos and Sam DeVito – a youngster who spent last season playing first team football at Bentleigh Greens – all looked more than assured and far from out of place. DeVito occupied the left back role and showed himself a decent prospect. Coach Stuart Munro and assistant Ken Murphy are no doubt close to finalising their playing squad for the upcoming season with both coaches commentating that all trialists have acquitted themselves very well and haven’t placed a foot wrong.

Ken Murphy perhaps best summed up the current state the playing squad finds itself in, stating that “We’re moving along fine, our attacking play is coming along very promisingly, furthermore, Durakovic and Kovacevic are showing signs that they will form a formidable defensive core for the upcoming season”.

Friday, 8 August 2003 12:00 AM

Tonight South Melbourne will be training at Whitten Oval, home of the AFL’s Western Bulldogs. If tonight’s session goes well, this venue could become a regular preseason training ground for South. Training will commence at 6:00pm.

Location: Barkly St, Footscray, Melways: 41 K4.

Thursday, 7 August 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne 4 defeated Stonington 0
Goals: Curijia 2, Coveny 1, Trimboli 1

In typically Melbournian winter weather South continued their pre-season “romp” easily accounting for Stonnington City by 4 goals to Nil.

New Zealand international Vaughn Coveny opened proceedings early on scoring a great goal and giving the few fans who braved the conditions something to cheer about. However, the South supporters present, no doubt attended to view the debut of Dutch import Max Lohy who caught the eye in his first game. Lohy showed silky skills and immaculate ball control, general consensus was that his presence at Bob Jane Stadium this year should help bring some flair back to South’s play.

To Stonnington’s credit they put on a brave fight limiting the potency of South’s forward line and restricting the Lakesiders to only 1 goal in the first half.

The second goal came after Coveny crossed for South stalwart Paul Trimboli who had little trouble slotting the ball home to make it 2-0.

Michael Curcija showing increased sharpness from his spell abroad rounded off the scoring with two second-half goals, his first a quality turn past his man with an equally impressive finish to match. Curcija then had little trouble beating the Stonnington keeper in a one-on-one duel after he had been played through by the South midfield, Curcija picked his spot well, placing cleanly into the bottom left corner.

Of the players on trial, Steve Lawrie impressed with his commanding presence and solid communication to his fellow defensive partners, a decision on whether or not he will be offered a contract is expected within the next week or so.

Thursday, 7 August 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club has a new addition to their coaching staff. Stuart Munro welcomes former South Melbourne star and Hall of Champions inductee, Ken Murphy as assistant coach. Ken has previously been coaching at Essendon Royals SC and is excited about his return to South. Ken’s soccer experience extends to Scottish club Dundee United and numerous Australian caps. Lets hope Ken and Stuart can lead South Melbourne Soccer Club into finals action this season.

Tuesday, 5 August 2003 12:00 AM

On Saturday the 2nd August, Captain Paul Trimboli made a special visit to wish one of South’s most courageous supporters, Dimitri a happy 19th birthday. Dimitri unfortunately has an inoperable brain tumour and is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy. As they surrounded him on this special day, his family expressed their hope for a full recovery and were elated with Paul’s generosity. On his 19th birthday, Dimitri was presented with club merchandise and a fully signed strip by the whole team and he now awaits the opportunity to toss the coin at a South home game.

Dimitri, your courage has uplifted all of us at South Melbourne Soccer Club and we wish you and your family the best of luck for the coming future.

Monday, 28 July 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne tonight will play Pascoe Vale Soccer Club in there first practice game for Season 2003/2004. The game will kick-off at 7:00pm at Hosken Reserve, Sheppard Street, North Coburg. They will then play Port Melbourne on Wednesday 30th July at Port Melbourne Soccer Club’s ground, Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne kick-off scheduled for 7:00pm.

Come along and view the new signings and support the team as they prepare for the up-coming season.

Monday, 16 June 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne has strengthened its defensive stocks with the signing of Ante Kovacevic. The 29 year old key defender made his NSL debut with the Melbourne Knights in 1994 before joining Adelaide City Force in 2000. Kovacevic was the team captain in Adelaide last season and with well over 200 NSL games under his belt he gives South Melbourne a wealth of experience and strength in the centre of its defence.

Kovacevic is looking forward to returning to his native Melbourne after three years in Adelaide. “I am immensely happy to be joining such an ambitious club,” said Kovacevic. “The tradition of South Melbourne and its history of success makes it a very appealing place for a player and I am looking forward to a really great season.”

South Melbourne coach Stuart Munro believes that Kovacevic will make an immediate positive impact. “I am delighted to make Ante my first signing,” said Munro. “He has all the ingredients of a top defender. His leadership, experience and winning mentality are great attributes.”

Wednesday, 11 June 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club has moved to clarify its playing list ahead of the upcoming National Soccer League season. The South Melbourne squad has been reviewed in recent weeks by newly appointed coach Stuart Munro.

Munro has elected not to pursue contract renewals with four players – David Clarkson 35, Fausto De Amicis 35, Steve Iosifidis 29 and Peter Buljan 24. All four players had contracts that had expired or were expiring at the end of the month.

“It was a tremendously difficult decision” said Munro. “These players have a history of success with the club and they have been wonderful servants to South Melbourne. Everybody here is very grateful for their contributions. There is however an element of rebuilding that needs to be done and it is time for a new generation of players to make their mark.”

South Melbourne President Peter Mitrakas joined Munro in thanking the four players for their years of service. “I never like seeing players leave South Melbourne” said Mitrakas, “especially those of the calibre of these four. Stuart (Munro) had to make some tough choices and in the case of these four players it was decided not to renew their contracts. Their individual efforts and contributions over the years are greatly appreciated. They have been part of the fabric of South Melbourne and everybody at the club wishes them well for the future.”

Wednesday, 28 May 2003 12:00 AM

Stuart Munro is the new coach of the South Melbourne Soccer Club.

Munro, 40, played with Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Premier Division, earning 4 Scottish Premier League Championship medals and 4 League Cup Winner’s medals between 1984 and 1991.

Playing with Sydney United in 1997/98, Munro went on to coaching positions in Australia with Easter Pride (1998/99) and Carlton in 1999/2000. Munro led the Carlton team to the Preliminary Final in 2000. Most recently Munro’s National Soccer League involvement has been as assistant coach with Parramatta Power.

South Melbourne President Peter Mitrakas has hailed Munro as the perfect person to lead the club.

“We are thrilled to have such a professional coach taking over the reigns at the most successful club in the country,” says Mitrakas. “He was an outstanding candidate with professional credentials and someone who can be part of a larger program of growing the club in the Australian sporting community. I have no doubt in my mind that he is the best soccer coach in the country.”

Munro described the appointment as “a huge honour” and described South Melbourne as the best club in Australian soccer. “I have been involved with some great clubs overseas and walking into South Melbourne I get the same feeling of pride and achievement”, said Munro.

“I have one role at this club and that is to bring success. I am not here to build a youth team or finish sixth or seventh on the ladder. I am here to build a championship team.”

Munro has a two year deal with South Melbourne and takes over immediately. South Melbourne is likely to begin pre-season training at the start of July, with the new National Soccer League season due to kick off in late September.

South Melbourne is a founding member of the Australian National Soccer League and were champions in 1984, 1991, 1998 and 1999.

Thursday, 22 May 2003 12:00 AM

The South Melbourne Soccer Club is hiring a new Sales and Marketing team. Two positions are required to drive the sales and marketing function, both reporting to the General Manager.

South Melbourne is Australia’s most successful soccer club, regularly winning championships and providing players for the Socceroos.

We are keen to match our on-filed success off the park by hiring a highly capable management team to lead the Club into soccer’s exciting future. Recent macro developments for soccer have resulted in the game entering its brightest period for many years.

You will have experience in sales and marketing and be able to prove your ability to secure revenue from previous employers. Sports administration experience is not a pre-requisite however superior communication and customer service skills are essential.

Self-motivation, the ability to work independently, organisation and prioritisation are key requirements of these roles. You will work to budgets developed with the General Manager and work “behind the scenes” to develop the appropriate materials and packages to increase the Club’s revenue streams.

The ability to service sponsors, members and coterie groups and provide outstanding post-sale support are key requirements.

Key responsibilities of the roles include:
– driving revenue and working to budgets for corporate sales, memberships and coteries
– refining existing and developing new packages and marketing communications
– developing ongoing relationships and taking a “partnership” approach
– ongoing servicing of accounts and members via regular communications and providing outstanding customer service
– actively managing various Club databases to ensure all Club assets are leveraged effectively
– monitoring the Club’s brand and positioning in the market and undertaking activities to support desired positioning and brand attributes

Interested parties should attach their CV/resume along with a 1-page covering letter with contact details clearly outlined.

The position is based at Albert Park in Melbourne.

The South Melbourne Soccer Club is an equal opportunity employer.

Please email your application to:

mitsavco@netspace.net.au

Applications can also be sent to:

Applications can also be sent to:
The President.
South Melbourne Soccer Club
PO BOX 5122
Clayton Vic 3168