Category: News

Wednesday, 4 August 2004 12:00 AM

The South Melbourne name will continue to be part of Australia’s soccer landscape after securing its financial future and launching plans to compete in the Victorian Premier League (VPL) from next season.

Australia’s most successful soccer club has retained its home base at Bob Jane Stadium, and is focused in the immediate term on the appointment of a senior coach and a player recruitment campaign in preparation for the 2005 VPL season.

“It’s great news for the thousands of people who, over the past five decades, made South Melbourne one of the country’s iconic sporting clubs”, said interim president, Peter Mitrakas. “And, it’s great news for Australian soccer that it will continue to have among its ranks a club of the stature and achievements of South Melbourne.”

South Melbourne was placed in voluntary administration in April this year after accumulated debts of almost $1.8 million, with the club’s financial situation coming to a head following the dismantling of the National Soccer League and the Australian Soccer Association’s decision to not offer South Melbourne a place in the proposed Australian Premier League.

An intensive fund-raising campaign by friends and supporters of the club over the past few months netted more than $450,000, a target set by the administrator after facilitating an agreement with creditors.

“It’s been a tremendous effort by many people to raise the necessary funds, and it demonstrates the passion and dedication that is such a part of South Melbourne’s rich history.”

A six-person board has been installed, including four new directors, complemented by a number of sub-committees to focus on key aspects of the club’s on and off-field operations. Immediate past president Peter Mitrakas is acting in an interim capacity to oversee the club’s transition from voluntary administration to an ongoing concern.

“There’s much to do in the coming weeks and months”, he said. “We’re focused on doing everything we can to draw together the best available people on and off the park”.

Mr Mitrakas said the club holds long term aspirations of competing at the highest level.

“It’s a new chapter in the history of a great club”, he said. “While our short term focus is on ensuring a strong and sustainable organisation to succeed in the VPL, we owe it to our supporters to put the club in a position where we can reclaim our place among Australia’s soccer elite”, said Mr Mitrakas.

Monday, 5 July 2004 12:00 AM

Today is a historic day for world football and humanity. It demonstrates how Greece, previously thought to be a Football minnow, has achieved unimaginable success and admiration the world over. It sets a precedence for all sporting nations, who have struggled for success in the world game, to continually strive for excellence, even against all odds.

South Melbourne is a club founded by Greek migrants more than 50 years ago. It is one of a few clubs outside Greece, that still maintains its Hellenic link and identity. The club and its supporters are proud of this connection with Hellas. Their love of the game and of Australia has resulted in a team which embraces all Australians yet retains a distinct Hellenic character. Its supporters are amongst Australia’s most passionate, both at club and national level.

Australian Football should take note and realize that achieving future success, will only happen by harnessing and building upon its existing soccer foundation. Traditional Australian soccer clubs, like South Melbourne, must play an active role in influencing future Australian Soccer excellence both domestically and internationally.

South Melbourne Hellas Soccer Club, is proud of its connection with the 2004 European Champions. Greece’s achievements will be etched in sporting folklore for years to come.

Today, we of Hellas Melbourne, celebrate with Hellas of Greece , as one.

Wednesday, 23 June 2004 12:00 AM

Notice is hereby given that an Extraordinary General Meeting of the South Melboume Hellas Soccer Club Limited will be held on Sunday, 27 June 2004 at 11.00am in the “Sports Bar” located at Bob Jane Stadium, 25 Albert Road Drive, Albert Park.

AGENDA
1. Confirmation of the last minutes of the General Meeting held on 7 December 2003
2. Finance Report & Report as to Voluntary Administration
3. President’s Report
4. Election I Selection of Electoral Committee I Nominations for Election of Board of Directors I Election to be held on Sunday July 11, 2004
5. Constitution Amendments proposed by member – Nicolas Zervos, as per attachment
6. Victorian Premier League and Australian Premier League
7. General Business

The meeting will commence at 11.00am sharp.

Download details in pdf format

Thursday, 29 April 2004 12:00 AM

On 21 April 2004, Richard John Cauchi and David James Lofthouse of CJL Partners were appointed Joint and Several Voluntary Administrators of South Melbourne Hellas Soccer Club Ltd.

A second meeting of creditors is scheduled to be held on 18 May 2004.

Friday, 2 April 2004 12:00 AM

Thousands of South Melbourne Soccer fans are expected to attend the “Friends of South” Public meeting at Bob Jane Stadium on Sunday from 12.30pm.

Lazaros Papasavas of the “Friends of South” said that a range of special guest presenters will address the meeting in support of saving the club. “The plight of the club has been well documented this week and Sunday will provide a forum for the fans to gather and help to save Bob Jane Stadium for the club and the community” he said. “There are more than 300 youngsters who may not have a game to play if the club folds and this alone is totally unacceptable,” said Papasavas.

Past club champions including Bruce McLaren, Alan Davidson and Oscar Crino will address the fans and many of the current players will also attend. Comedian and actor Nick Giannopoulos will be there and well known television presenter George Donikian will act as Master of Ceremonies.

The focus of the day is for the fans to show their passion and support for the club in numbers and all money raised will be put towards the “Fiends of South” trust fund to save the ground. Mr. Papasavas urged all South fans to attend, show support and give to the “Friends of South” appeal.

A range of activities for the fans will be organized including,

· Goal Kick-off against current players
· Jumping castle and face painting for the youngsters

A special “Save our South” t-shirt has been designed and will be available for sale at $20 and “Friends of South” memberships will be on sale for $100. All monies will be directed to the “Friends of South” appeal and not the South Melbourne Soccer Club.

Catering facilities will also be open for supporters.

It is anticipated that the event will conclude at 3.00pm.

For further information contact see the club website www.southmelbournesc.com.au

For the “Friends of South” Committee phone 9645 9797

Friday, 2 April 2004 12:00 AM

Members and fans are reminded that South Melbourne will be holding a Friends of South Public Meeting on Sunday 4th April at 12:30pm at Bob Jane Stadium.

The Club is calling on supporters to show the passion, pride and commitment for which they are renowned by attending this public meeting to help save our spiritual home, the Bob Jane Stadium. Past South legends as well as current players will be in attendance.

The club has set up a special trust fund to help raise money and supporters are able to purchase a ‘Friends of South’ membership for $100 to show their passion and commitment.

For those who are unable to attend the meeting, you can download the attached form and fax or send it to the club to make your contribution. Click here to download form

Wednesday, 31 March 2004 12:00 AM

A statement from the President of the South Melbourne Soccer Club
The future of the South Melbourne Soccer Club is today very much in the hands of its many thousands of members, supporters and friends. The Club is calling on them to show the passion, pride and commitment for which they are renowned by attending a public meeting on Sunday, 4 April (12.30pm) to help save our spiritual home, the Bob Jane Stadium.

For the last 12 months, South Melbourne has focused on positioning the Club to gain entry into the Australian Premier League (APL). There were encouraging signs during this period, until a recent change of strategy from the Australian Soccer Association declaring that only one, state-based team from Victoria will be admitted into the new competition. Secondly, a decision was made for the start date of the new competition, with a July/August 2005 date proposed.

With the prospects of South Melbourne Soccer Club not competing in the APL in its own right, and without the income from competitive soccer for at least 10 months, there is a significant financial debt that the Club can no longer sustain without the immediate support of its friends and supporters.

The South Melbourne Soccer Club has a proud history, and, with its friends, members and supporters, is currently working diligently to keep the club in existence. It is not certain as to which competition this club will compete in next year, however it is imperative that the friends of South Melbourne act to save the home ground we have built, the Bob Jane Stadium. For 45 years, generations of people have contributed blood, sweat and tears to establish this spiritual home, and we must keep it in our hands. In the hands of the members who built it.

As a result of this current position, the Club urgently needs to raise funds to live on. I urge all to bring their children, parents, grandparents and friends in an effort to show our strength in numbers. We will be taking donations, asking you to contribute to saving this proud club. A club that has given so many memories to the sporting public, and is deeply entrenched in the sporting culture of Melbourne.

South Melbourne Soccer Club was built by its members and the community, and today, its future is dependent on those people more than ever.

WHAT: Public meeting of members, friends and supporters of SMSC
WHEN: Sunday, 4 April – (12.30pm)
WHERE: Bob Jane Stadium, Albert Rd, Albert Park

Monday, 29 March 2004 12:00 AM

Canberra Deakin have become the first non-NSL club team to win the National
Youth League title, after defeating Southern Division Champions South
Melbourne 2-1 at the Belconnen Soccer Centre in Canberra. While not the
first non-NSL team to win the title – the Australian Institute of Sport has
won the title on three occasions – Deakin are the first club team to be
crowned National Champions.

Canberra Deakin, who wrapped up the Northern Division championship last
weekend with a 4-2 win over Newcastle United, claimed the title despite the
absence of key players in leading goalscorer Robbie Cattanach and the
suspended Matthew Menser. South Melbourne, fielding a strong line-up
including Young Socceroos Massimo Murdocca and Vince Lia, fell behind early
in the game after a goal from Andrew Barisic. Barisic hitting a quality low
strike from the edge of the penalty area just inside the far post on the
16-minute mark.

South Melbourne however provided stiff opposition coming back strongly in
the second half and equalising in the 67th minute through Steven O’Dor who
scored with a neat flicked-on header.

With the game looking fairly even, Deakin’s other prolific striker Nathan
Caldwell scored what proved to be the winner when he was able to convert
from close range in the 75th minute.

Deakin was able to hang onto their lead and give the crowd of about 1,000
plenty to cheer when the referee’s whistle sounded.

The NYL Grand Final win completes a remarkable trifecta for the Canberra
side that had already claimed the NYL Northern Division Championship and
Premiership.

2003/04 National Youth League Northern Division grand final

Saturday 27 March 2004

Canberra Deakin 2 (Andrew Barisic 16′, Nathan Caldwell 75′)

South Melbourne 1 (Steven O’Dor 67′)

Source: Australian Soccer Association

Thursday, 25 March 2004 12:00 AM

South Melbourne’s Youth team will play off for the National Youth Championship in Canberra this Saturday. South Melbourne, who beat Melbourne Knights for the Southern Division Youth Championship last month will now meet Canberra Deakin in the National Youth playoff.

The game will be played at Belconnen Soccer Centre – Cnr. Owen Dixon and William Flin Dve, McKellar, kick-off at 12:30pm. After last weekend’s disappointing senior loss, the Youth team is determined to bring home the silverware and finish off their fantastic season with a win.

Monday, 22 March 2004 12:00 AM

Adelaide United 2 South Melbourne 1
ADELAIDE UNITED surged into the NSL preliminary final after coming from behind to clinch an emotion-charged win in extra time against prolific finals contender South Melbourne.

Defender Richie Alagich drove home the golden goal winner in the 13th minute of extra added time from the penalty spot after the teams finished level after 90 minutes.

Referee Simon Micallef awarded the heart-breaking penalty kick against South Melbourne defender Steve Laurie for pulling the shirt of substitute Michael Brooks.

It was the final nail for courageous South Melbourne which played with 10 men after half time when defender Sam Poutakidis was red carded for lashing out at United’s Fred Agius seconds after the half time whistle.

Former Olyroo Ross Aloisi launched a second half United comeback with a 20m drive that cannoned in off the post to cancel out an 11th minute strike from South striker Michael Curcija as United made 10-man South Melbourne pay.

Alagich kept his cool to end the battle with a rocket of a penalty to ice the tie and thrill a record Adelaide NSL crowd of 16,558.

Recharged, South Melbourne looked like the winners in the first half, leading after punishing a rare blunder by United captain Aurelio Vidmar.

Curcija started the clinical counter attack as Vidmar missed a header and Con Boutsianis set him up for the Olyroo’s 13th goal of the season.

Kiwi international Vaughan Coveny had two great chances before half time to make it tough for United, but punched a diving header wide and keeper David Scarsella blocked his low shot in the 19th minute.

Adelaide found it tough to crack South’s mean defence until Poutakidis clashed with Agius and was sent off on the advice of linesman Craig Durkin.

Industrious Aloisi got a pass from Nick Budin to rifle in his fourth goal this season and set up a nervous finish for 10-man South which sent on defenders to shore things up.

But super sub Brooks conjured up the breakthrough in the first period of extra time as he passed wide for Aaron Goulding to cross, but his shirt was tugged by Laurie and referee Micallef firmly pointed to the penalty spot.

South Melbourne coach Stuart Munro insisted both pivotal refereeing decisions were tough on his team. “I thought both (the send-off and the penalty) decisions were very soft,” he said.

“I don’t even think the ref saw the incident.

“He just reacted to the players’ appeals around him, but I don’t want to harp on this as it only takes the gloss away from the great efforts of Adelaide United and the huge crowd.

“I thought we deserved better after a great first half in which we should have scored at least two on our chances created.”

South players surrounded referee Micallef after the match to protest about the penalty decision.

Meanwhile, Adelaide coach John Kosmina was just relieved to go through on the strength of his outfit’s late burst.

“We defended too deep and let South play too much before half time,” he said.

ADELAIDE UNITED 2 (R Aloisi 71m R Alagich 103m pen) bt SOUTH MELBOURNE 1 (M Curcija 11m) in extra time at Hindmarsh Stadium. Crowd: 16,558. Referee: S Micallef.

AAP