Category: News

Monday, 24 January 2005 4:54 PM

I write to you on the eve of the new Victorian Premier League season with a clear and over riding message, patience.

We must be under no illusions about the challenges that face our club in the coming months.

Let’s not forget what happened at the end of our last NSL season. When the National competition disbanded, our squad that had been carefully built and groomed by Stuart Munroe, and other coaches before him, simply evaporated.

Further to this, there was the very serious issue of the club going into administration.

The work of a great number of people within the South Melbourne family has ensured our clubs survival, and our new board is working very hard to lift the club back to the top.

Our playing squad for 2005, is a fresh one.

Headed by coach and club legend John Anastasiadis, we are moving into a new era.
But lets not be mistaken, building a team, takes time.

South Melbourne will be coming up against some very good teams in the VPL that have been seasoned over a number of years.

Champion teams don’t come together over night.

Further, the A-League’s Clubs have been given carte blanche to cherry pick. This makes the task of building a strong team all the more difficult.

As an example, Ante Kovacevic; has been snapped up by Perth Glory.

Ante’s example however is a problem that is not isolated to South Melbourne as this will continue to dangle like a sword of Damocles over our Club and all other clubs in the VPL.

This is the first time our great club has fielded a senior side in the Victorian top flight for 28 years.

We are in waters that are uncharted and everyone at the club will have to experience some form of adjustment.

We appreciate your ongoing support, as we strive to get the Club back firmly on its feet and put the famous Blue and White back in a position at the very forefront of Victorian and Australian football.

See you at the football,

George Donikian

Sunday, 23 January 2005 11:55 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has been dealt a reality check in tonight’s friendly against the Melbourne Knights with the Albert Park-based club convincingly beaten by 3 goals to nil.

Experienced regulars Vaughn Coveny and Kostas Salapasidis were both missing due to knocks received against the Sunshine Georgies, with South’s lack of experience coming to the fore.

The Knights scored from two counter attacks in the first half, with the first one in particular highlighting South’s lack of defensive maturity. After a 7th minute set piece where Peter Koutsoupias had whipped in a quality ball only for Arthur Tsonis to fail on cleanly connecting with a header on goal, the Knight’s subsequent clearance looped over the South defence who were sitting far too up the pitch. The Knight’s forward pounced on his opportunity by nutmegging Dean Anastasiadis – who had come off his line in a desperate attempt to clear – and tapping into an empty net.

South threatened in the 13th minute after George Tzirtis had made a good run down the right and whipped in a quality ball that Knight’s keeper Adrian Cagalj got to just before a desperately lunging Tex Apostolikas.

In fact South had the majority of play in the first half but just seemed short of ideas. Ryan Dinse was continually causing problems down the left and did so again in the 25th minute when he cleanly skinned his direct marker, made his way somewhat into the box but had his cross intercepted by the alert Cagalj. Dinse’s run was the catalyst for the Knight’s second goal as from Cagalj’s clearance the ball made its way deep into the Knight’s attacking half, fell to a Knight’s player on the edge of the box who unleashed a powerful strike that was deflected past a helpless Dean Anastasiadis.

South’s best opportunity of the half came in the 46th minute when a deep run down the left flank by wingback Ramazan Tavsancioglu produced a quality floating cross that found Koutsoupias who’s control was decent but unfortunately his subsequent volley went over the bar.

The second half couldn’t have started any worse for South after once again they succumbed to a counter-attacking sucker punch. A 48th minute ball over the top fell into the path of a Knight’s forward who narrowed in on goal and comfortably tucked past South’s second choice keeper Con Dimitropoulos.

South had a golden chance to reduce the score-line when Ryan Dinse’s shirt was pulled in the box and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped substitute Jesse Krncevic who saw his low shot to the right comfortably saved by the excellent Cagalj. It was a moment which perfectly summarised South Melbourne’s evening, an evening of frustration where nothing fell the way of the visitors.

The Knights could’ve further extended their advantage when a 70th minute run down the left flank saw the Knight’s player work his way past two or so South defenders, enter the box and attempt a chip over Dimitropoulos who managed to get a fingertip onto the ball and hence prevent the goal. The Knights had a second golden opportunity which arrived in the 80th minute courtesy of tall defender David Piorkowski who rose above the entire South backline only to head just wide.

South finished the game with a minor flurry with Koutsoupias having two shots on goal, the first testing Cagalj who did well to save. In Between Koutsoupias’s strikes Jesse Krncevic also had a decent opportunity when a corner was nodded back across goal and into his path only for his shot-on-the-turn to go wide.

Wednesday, 19 January 2005 10:42 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne finally delivered on the positive signs they have been showing throughout their pre-season campaign spanking the newly promoted Sunshine Georgies by 3 goals to nil.

From the onset South looked as though they were ready to take their first serious step and register a pre-season victory under the guidance of coach John Anastasiadis.

Anastasiadis fielded a slightly different line-up bringing in Ramazan Tavsancioglu at left back and experimenting with Nick Curtis in the right back position, Arthur Tsonis and Steve O’Dor were at the heart of the South defence. In the middle inspirational young-gun Evan Karavitis was joined by George Tzirtis, with Scottish winger Ryan Dinse playing on the left and Vasilios Natsioulas on the right. Up front Kostas Salapasidis was paired with Vaughn Coveny.

Admitedly both sides took a good 15 or so minutes to settle with South gaining the early initiative after a perfectly timed run by Dinse down the left flank saw the ball bobble into the diminutive South winger’s path with only the keeper to beat. Like a seasoned pro Dinse did not hesitate to pick his spot and calmly slot home his strike.

To the Georgies credit they came agonisingly close to a quick reply when a squared ball from the right fell to an attacking player who from point blank range was denied by a stunning save by South keeper Dean Anastasiadis.

Anastasiadis’s hand was forced when Vaughn Coveny appeared to pick up a knock and hence Jesse Krncevic was thrown into the fray. Almost immediately Krncevic had a positive impact providing a genuine target up front and on one occasion managing to wriggle in behind the defence, calmly going past a Sunshine defender and with the presence of mind to square the ball back, Tzirtis’s ensuing shot was saved by the toe of the Georgies keeper from point blank range. Krncevic then had the final chance of the half when from a tight angle he sent a right foot belter slightly over the right top corner.

The second half got under way with an unfortunate rush of blood. After impressing since his early introduction Jesse Krncevic’s enthusiasm got the better of him when after chasing a through ball he followed through and took out the keeper after the ball had been cleanly gloved. Noting the friendly nature of the game, the referee allowed for South to replace Krncevic and on came Tex Apostolikas. Apostolikas’s introduction was almost marked with a goal when his dogged determination to win back a ball he had lost saw him with some time just outside the box. He proceeded to unleash a powerful right foot drive that sailed narrowly wide.

With South looking for the ever crucial cushion of a second goal their search was finally rewarded. Midway through the 2nd stanza a South free kick from the right wing – near the edge of the box – was put into a brilliant position by Tzirtis, big Arthur Tsonis rose above everyone else and nodded home the Albert Park based club’s second of the evening.

With the comfort of a 2nd goal, down went the heads of the George Cross players leaving the South players free to run riot. Peter Koutsoupias had been introduced in the 2nd half and was operating in a somewhat experimental attacking midfield position. Koutsoupias was the catalyst for South’s third finding himself in space on the left wing, he released a sublime – made more special by the fact it was with his opposite foot – cross that found Ryan Dinse unmarked in the George Cross box with the speedy winger once again showing an immense calmness in front of goal, nodding his header easily past the helpless Georgies custodian.

With the Georgies on the ropes South sensed a slaughter. The Clarendon Corner was in full voice and could not believe Apostolikas’s miss from 5 yards out. A scramble in the box had bobbled its way to the ex-Olympiakos youngster who from point blank range somehow managed to sky over.

Hungry for a fourth the goal almost arrived after young substitute Stavros Georgakakis’s angled run from the right saw the South midfielder unleash a powerful angled drive that skimmed the Georgies left upright.

Saturday, 15 January 2005 10:46 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has continued its pre-season campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to last season’s VPL runners-up the Altona Magic.

Once again the Lakeside-based club put in a spirited performance but lacked a cutting-edge up front to capitalise on the chances created. It was a far improved outing for visitors who were somewhat dour in their previous encounter against the Bulleen Zebras.

Wearing the South colours for the first time was new signing Kostas Salapisidis who only participated in the first half but still managed to look a genuine class above as his experience in the NSL and Europe would suggest. His first touch, close control and general shielding of the ball should prove to be a major asset to South throughout the coming season.

The first half saw South control the majority of possession with Evan Karavitis once again showing a level of maturity in the centre of the park that defies his 18 years. Possession however counts for little in the world game and hence South found themselves behind midway through the half when a Magic raid down the left wing saw an Altona player break deep into South’s box and whip in a perfectly placed cross that was expertly nodded home from 6 yards into the roof of the South net.

South went on to finish the half strongly and will rue two golden opportunities wasted by midfielder George Tzirtis. The first chance wasted was a follow up from a long range shot by right back Arthur Tsirtsakis. Tsirtsakis’s 25 yard effort was not held by the Altona keeper who spilled the ball right into the path of Tzirtis, faced with the slightest of angles but with the goal absolutely gapping Tzirtis somehow managed to place his shot into the side netting.

Tzirtis’s second chance came near the end of the first half when a South counter attack saw 3 South players against one Altona defender. The ball was well squared to Tzirtis who made his way into the box and with only the keeper to beat, saw his bottom-left, side-foot shot brilliantly saved by the Magic’s custodian who had spread himself impeccably and managed to get to Tzirtis’s effort with his toe.

South came out and bossed the 2nd half but saw many advantageous positions ultimately go to waste. Jesse Krncevic and Peter Koutsoupias were brought on in the 2nd stanza and had an overall positive effect on the game linking up nicely on 2 or so occasions down the right flank. In fact both Krncevic and Koutsoupias had decent half chances in the Altona box, with Knrcevic failing to connect cleanly with a volley that was coming across his body, whilst Koutsoupias seemed to hesitate a moment to long and ultimately was closed down and forced wide by the Altona defence after finding the ball at his feet – with his back to goal – 8 yards out.

To Altona’s credit they did create one decent chance in the 2nd half when nice build up play saw a well-hit shot blazed past the right South upright with South’s replacement keeper well beaten.

Saturday, 15 January 2005 10:42 PM

It is with deep regret and sorrow that South Melbourne FC announce the passing of brilliant clubman Spiro Papaioannou.

Spiro passed away on Sunday, January 9, aged 77. His wife Panagiota and his children Anastasia and Theodore, Ioannis and Lynette, Fotini and Dimitrios and Thomas survive him.

Spiro was a regular fixture at both Middle Park and Bob Jane Stadium and was famous for his vending of assorted snacks to the South Melbourne faithful.

He has been a great servant of the club and it’s community and we ask the entire SMFC family to channel its thoughts and prayers at this sad time towards Spiro and his family.

Wednesday, 12 January 2005 11:14 PM

After more than 450 NSL matches, 3 NSL Player of the Year Awards, a treble of NSL titles and 6 SMFC Best and Fairest awards, Paul Trimboli has formally announced his retirement from football.

The 36 year old veteran had been training with the South Melbourne FC squad for the upcoming VPL season, but has decided to draw the curtain on his stellar career.

“Johnny Anastasiadis was keen to get me along and help mould the new squad, but after a while my body made it clear that it was time to move on” says a circumspect Trimboli, “there will no doubt be some sadness that comes with this, but I believe it was the right decision for me and the club”.

Commitment to the club where he has played all but 22 of his NSL matches spanning 3 decades brought him back, and he is hopeful that SMFC will be challenging for the VPL title for years to come. “South are always competitive. If we aren’t winning championships, we’re not far off it and I doubt that is going to change”.

SMFC President George Donikian has nothing but the upmost praise for the retiring champion. “Words can’t describe what Paul Trimboli means to this club, he has been a brilliant servant of the club in the way he has conducted himself both on and off the field. He was a member of our team of the century and his presence on the pitch will be dearly missed”.

While not having an official role with the team for the rest of 2005, Trimboli says his heart will always be with the famous club. The former Socceroo will no doubt be a regular fixture in the stands at SMFC matches this season including the club’s opening round clash with Heidelberg United on 30 January at Bob Jane Stadium.

Wednesday, 12 January 2005 11:13 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne have gone down for the third time in consecutive pre-season friendlies losing to the reigning VPL champions the Bulleen Zebras by 3 goals to nil.

An overall dour game saw South coach John Anastasiadis persist with a line-up missing key players Ante Kovacevic and new South signing Kostas Salapasidis.

Using 9 players who started against Oakleigh, Anastasiadis gave a chance to a couple of trialists who made up the rest of the eleven.

The game started in a somewhat lazy manner, both teams failed to assert any sort of dominance with Bulleen happy to sit back and let South knock the ball around. Chances were not being created with both sets of goalkeepers having little work to do.

South did manage to create one memorable chance in the first half when right winger Ryan Dinse played through Vaughn Coveny who with only the keeper to beat appeared to have managed to sneak it under ex-South custodian Michael Theoklitos only for the latter to get a hand on it and hence prevent it from crossing over the line.

The 2nd half saw South with the greater possession but ultimately the experience of the VPL champions proved to be the difference.

Bulleen got their first near the start of the second stanza when an attack from the right was whipped across the South box with an incoming Zebras player on hand to easily tuck in on the back post past a stranded Dean Anastasiadis.

South almost immediately replied when they won a penalty soon after going behind. Up stepped Coveny who saw his shot brilliantly saved by master shot-stopper Michael Theoklitos who palmed away after diving to his right.

Bulleen got their second in a similar manner to their first. A ball from the right eluded the entire South defence with a fast tracking Bulleen player on hand to calmly finish from an acute – though very close to goal – angle into the roof of the South net.

With South continuing to have more of the ball young South midfielder Bill Nastioulas almost conjured a goal out of nothing. With his back to goal and just outside the box, Natsioulas flicked the bobbling ball up and in one sweet motion unleashed a well placed low right-foot volley that Theoklitos did well to keep out.

The game was nearing its climax when Bulleen nabbed a third. A comical error from South’s replacement keeper saw him come out to either catch or punch a high ball. He failed to make contact and collided into a team-mates back, with no time to recover, the ball fell to a lurking Bulleen player who with the easiest of tasks slammed home for the final goal of the evening.

Friday, 7 January 2005 9:00 PM

South Melbourne FC are pleased to announce the signing of former Olyroo Kosta Salapasidis for the upcoming 2005 VPL season.

The 26 year old Adelaide native will be a vital cog in SMFC’s midfield, with his attacking flair sure to excite the Bob Jane Stadium faithful this season.

“I’m ecstatic I joined a proud club like South Melbourne which I supported as a boy, the same team my father won a championship with in the 1960’s” says the former Parramatta Power, Wollongong and Adelaide City star. He also noted that “the club offers a brilliant environment to continue my playing career with its football set-up and I am excited about our first match against arch rivals Heidelberg later this month”.

Apart from a distinguished NSL career of 17 goals in 116 games, Salapasidis has enjoyed stints at clubs in Greece, Switzerland and Spain as well as playing an integral part of past Young Socceroos and Olyroo line ups.

SMFC coach John Anastasiadis is delighted at the club’s latest signing. “The experience and attacking penetration that Kosta brings is exactly what we were looking for” says Anastasiadis, “he has an excellent football pedigree having spent time abroad and in the national set up at youth level and we trust he will add another dimension to the sides attacking options.”

Salapasidis will commence training immediately and expects to be in full flight for the club’s opening VPL match against Heidelberg United on January 30 at BJS.

Wednesday, 5 January 2005 11:31 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South have completed their second serious pre-season hit-out against fellow VPL opposition going down to the Oakleigh Cannons by 2 goals to 1 at Jack Edwards Reserve, Oakleigh.

The Albert Park based club can consider themselves unlucky to go down after dominating possession and creating more chances throughout the encounter.

Selection wise, South fielded an almost exact replica of their first 11 against Essendon with the exception of exciting Scottish winger Ryan Dinse who came in on the left wing. Defensively South started with veteran custodian Dean Anastasiadis between the sticks, Tsonis, Tsirtsakis, O’Dor at the back with a young trialist playing as left wingback. In the centre of the park, Bill Nastsioulas and Evan Karavitis were responsible for South’s engine room, with Dinse and Koutsoupias on the left and right wings respectively. Up front, Kiwi striker Vaugh Coveny led the line along with Jesse Krncevic.

South began the game the quicker to settle, knocking it around quite confidently, the Lakeside based club created their first chance when a Koutsoupias centre was met by the rising Krncevic who did very well to outjump his marker and head over.

Ryan Dinse was enjoying a very solid game on the left wing, looking extremely sharp and with quick feet, the Scotsman was causing the Cannons defence all sorts of problems. Then somewhat against the run of play, Oakleigh broke forward, a decent shot was hit on target with Anastasiadis saving well, only for the oncoming ex-South midfielder George Goutzioulis to tuck home the rebound.

To South’s credit they didn’t let this setback lower their approach. Karavitis in particular was continuing to show promise in the centre of the park and in general South’s passing game was extremely attractive to watch. Late in the first half South had a goal disallowed. Koutsoupias had sent in a great ball from a right sided free kick, the ball seemed to evade everyone with South big-man Arthur Tsonis nipping in at the back post to slot home. South’s celebrations were cut short after the goal was flagged back for what must’ve been an infringement in the air.

Ryan Dinse should’ve capped off a superb first half display by capitalising on an Oakleigh defensive error which left him one-on-one with a vastly out of position Oakleigh keeper. With the ball bouncing, Dinse rushed his chip and sent his attempt well over.

After weathering the storm, Oakleigh once again went for a foray into South’s defensive half and came up with their second of the night. Ex-South defender Nick Tolios unleashed a tremendous 25 yard volley that was dipping ferociously under the crossbar only for a fully stretched Anastasiadis to fingertip onto the woodwork with once again an oncoming Oakleigh player in the right place at the right time to tuck home.

South went into the change rooms at half time upbeat with their positive performance but no doubt somewhat disheartened with that lack of a tiny bit of luck which saw them behind on the scoresheet.

The 2nd half was a somewhat tighter affair but once again South had the lion-share of possession.

Midway through the second stanza Koutsoupias was extremely unfortunate to not be given a penalty. Facing his direct marker down the right, Koutsoupia’s quick feet left his marker for dead drawing clear contact inside the box. Somewhat unexplainably the referee waved play on with luck once again evading South.

To Oakleigh’s credit they were unfortunate not to nab a third when – late in the contest – they forced a superb save from South’s second string keeper who was brought on at half time in the place of Anastasiadis. The South keeper managed at full stretch to turn the ball past his right-hand upright and out for a corner.

With the game nearing its finale, South had another chance go begging. Karavatis found the ball at his feet on the right hand side. He looked up and quickly spotted the darting Dinse making a superbly disguised run in behind the Oakleigh defence. Karavitis sent a superb ball over the top and with only the keeper to beat, the Oakleigh custodian did well to spread himself and hence smother the winger’s effort.

The final whistle was moments away when South finally got some reward for their encouraging display. Vaughn Coveny was played in behind the Oakleigh defence after a superb through ball by the South midfield. With plenty of NSL goals to his name, the Kiwi speedster took the ball in his stride, entered the Oakleigh area and crashed his shot comfortably past the helpless Oakleigh keeper.

Thursday, 30 December 2004 10:18 PM