Category: News

South announces Koutos as Senior Women’s Coach

South Melbourne FC would like to announce the appointment of Angelo Koutos as the Coach of our Senior Women’s team for the 2019 NPLW Season.

Angelo started his football career in 1975 at the age of nine in the South Melbourne Hellas juniors playing in the same teams as Ange Postecoglou and Manny Anezakis. After six years he moved to Richmond SC and Caulfield City playing in State League and the Victorian Premier League respectively. Koutos traveled to Greece at the age of 20 where he played in the Greek 1st and 2nd division with Pierikos FC for 8 years, before returning to Melbourne to join Heidelberg United in the National Soccer League (NSL)

After playing for two years, he shifted from the pitch to the coaches room serving as Assistant Coach for the Collingwood Warriors in the NSL and then as the Senior Coach of Heidelberg in the Victorian Premier League. He took a break from football starting a family and moving to Greece where in 2008 he returned to coaching at clubs including Pierikos FC and AEP Iraklis.

Koutos returned to Australia serving as the Technical Director and Under 13s coach at Alamein FC in 2016 and then the U17s coach at Manningham United in 2017. Angelo joined South Melbourne at the start of the 2018 season as the Under 16 Girls coach and Assistant Coach to Socrates Nicolaidis. When Nicolaidis returned to the USA, Angelo took over responsibilities as Senior Coach.

Koutos continued the success of the Senior Women’s team as they defeated Bulleen in the last round of the season to secure the NPLW Victoria Premiership before going close to winning the double, going down in the Grand Final at AAMI Park.

Director of Women’s Football, Gabrielle Giuliano spoke to smfc.com.au saying “I am pleased we have been able to secure the services of Angelo next year. He experienced success with the team this year and now will be able to formulate his own squad of existing and new players and develop a game plan to take us into 2019. As always, we will give Angelo and our coaches all of the necessary support in what we see as another huge season for the Senior Women’s team.”

SMFC wishes Angelo all the best for the 2018 season.

South thanks and farewells Milos Lujic

South Melbourne FC can confirm the departure of striker Milos Lujic from the club.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, President elect Nicholas Maikousis said “Milos has been an integral part of the squad over the last five years. He has celebrated success with the team together with multiple individual accomplishments. I and the club wish Milos the best in his future football activities”.

Milos has provided the following message to South Melbourne players, members and supporters.

“South Melbourne FC has been a massive part of my life for the past 5 years.

I have played the best football of my career at SMFC and can look back with pride at what we achieved as a team.

I would like to thank all the staff, board members and team mates past and present. Without you I couldn’t of achieved what I did at such a big club like South.

I loved every minute of playing for SMFC and will always remember the fans chanting my name after every goal. I want to thank them for their unconditional support through the highs and lows.

The decision to leave wasn’t easy but I leave with my head held high that I gave 100% for the shirt every game.

I also understand that after last season the need for the club to rebuild & refresh the squad moving forward.

I sincerely wish the club all the best in the future.

Milos Lujic

SMFC #9”

In his five years at the club, Milos’ success was significant including:

Team Results

2014 – NPL Championship

2015 – NPL Premiership

2015 – Dockerty Cup

2015 – Community Shield

2016 – NPL Championship

Individual League Honours

2014 – NPL Player of the Year (Gold Medal)

2014 – NPL Players Player of the Year

2014 – NPL Golden Boot

2015 – NPL Golden Boot

2016 – NPL Golden Boot

Individual Club Honours

2014 – Golden Boot

2014 – Media Player of the Year

2015 – Golden Boot

2016 – Golden Boot

2016 – Club record for most individual league goals in a season (including finals)

2017 – Golden Boot

2018 – Golden Boot

Photo: a-league.com.au

Michael Valkanis to lead SMFC Development Program

South Melbourne FC can today announce it has appointed Michael Valkanis to the position of Head of Football Development.

Looking at todays sporting environment, you can see the signification contribution South Melbourne FC has had and continues to have on Australian football. You will recognise names such as Kevin Muscat, Paul Trimboli, Vaughn Coveny, Joe Palatsides and Patrick Kisnorbo. Each of these individuals had the honour of playing for South Melbourne FC in the National Soccer League and were given the opportunity to enjoy life long careers in football through the pathways our club blessed them with.

There are however two names that are synonymous with our Football DNA, Ange Postecoglou and Michael Valkanis. These two footballers developed their careers South Melbourne FC starting as juniors and progressing to play senior football in the National Soccer League before representing our country as Socceroos. Both Ange and Michael have further progressed their career as highly regarded football coaches.

Four months ago, Michael Valkanis approached Football Director Andrew Mesourouni and offered to help reinvigorate the club’s youth program, bring back the historical Football DNA and help develop the countries most talented players. Michael has committed to giving back to the club which provided him the start to his football career.

Michael has introduced Daniel Geradi to the club who will serve in the role as Sporting Director. Michael and Daniel will work alongside Strati Xynas (Boys Technical Director) and Mick Gallo (Girls Technical Director) and our coaching staff. Trials and the selection process for our 2019 National Premier League youth squads.

Football Director Andrew Mesourouni spoke to smfc.com.au saying “for me personally to have Michael as an icon in the clubs history support our youth program is the greatest honour in my time at the club. Michael’s appointment will facilitate the latest evolution of us producing the country’s next crop of talented players whilst representing South Melbourne FC and creating pathways for those players here in Australia and internationally. An integral component of this is being able to capture our Football DNA and educate and entrust young players with it so they can pass it onto the next generation.

As well as a successful playing career, Michael has developed his coaching and management career in Australia and internationally. Upon retirement from the A-League and Adelaide United in 2009 he was appointed as Adelaide’s Academy Manager. Valkanis was soon appointed as Head Coach of the clubs National Youth League Team and then as the interim coach of the Senior Team. The arrival of Josep Gombau allowed Valkanis to work as an assistant under the Spanish manager introducing a possession-based football style and a dogmatic approach by bringing in FC Barcelona legend Guillermo Amor as the club’s technical director. In 2016 Adelaide won their first A-League Championship and under Valkanis the Youth League team won the State League 1 competition earning promotion to the South Australian NPL and then on to win the National Youth League A Conference.

In June 2016, Valkanis joined Melbourne City as the senior assistant coach to John van ‘t Schip and quickly celebrated success defeating Sydney FC 1–0 in the 2016 FFA Cup Final to win the clubs first ever silverware. A few months later in January 2017, after the resignation of Melbourne City manager John van’t Schip, Michael Valkanis was appointed manager of the club for the remainder of the season. The team finished 4th and was eliminated in the finals series.

In June 2018 Michael Valkanis moved to Europe to pursue his coaching career as assistant manager for Dutch Eredivisie club PEC Zwolle FC and reuniting again with Manager John Van’t Schip.

Michael will manage and guide the youth program at South Melbourne FC whilst maintaining his role with PEC Zwolle FC.

The following is the message sent from Michael Valkanis to the clubs youth players and parents.

Developing the Total Footballer…

Hello players and parents,

I started playing football when I was 7 for the South Melbourne Hellas juniors back in 1980. By the age of 12 my childhood dream was to one day play for the blue and white senior team. South Melbourne Hellas was the biggest club in Australia at the time. As a part of the junior system at the club and experiencing its football environment, I was able to not only fulfil a childhood dream but I was able to follow my passion and play football professionally overseas. South Melbourne Hellas enabled me to make a career out of the game I loved.

The clubs huge support base has always demanded success. The expectation on players and coaches has been significant and this has materialised with a culture of always playing attractive attacking football. Upon reflection I see what a huge part the club played not only in shaping me as a footballer but also guiding the fundamental beliefs and principles I now use as a coach. It has steered the way I envisage how I want to see the game of football to be played.

I now have the opportunity to help put in place a youth program that will play a significant role in identifying talent and overseeing the selection of potential future South players. Most importantly the program will help develop, guide and nurture our future footballers in these important years while they chase their dreams as I did once upon a time.

Players in our program will be part of a long-term strategy and must have an ambition to play at the highest levels of the game both nationally and internationally. South Melbourne will aim to help develop junior footballers in a program using a Total Footballer curriculum framework, representing the culture of the club and utilising the clubs current resources to help in junior player development.

Our objective is to help develop the Total Footballer while emphasising individual development within a team context. We will develop our Total Footballer by following our building blocks process relative to the developmental phase. Our focus through these phases will be on core skills – technique, tactical understanding, physical and productive habits and behaviours to help the player not only in game preparation but life in general.

Where others train 1 team we want to train 20 individuals. Where others see a youth program of 10 teams, we see 200 individuals. We will strive to educate the players on every aspect of the game as we implement a playing style and work towards improving every player to fulfil their potential within the team. The technical resources of a team cannot only be measured in terms of what you go out and buy but by what you produce internally, within the club, starting with our own junior development program.

Our methodologies and holistic training methods will help develop our players and at the same time bring our playing philosophy to life. Implementation of our program will recreate our identity, our Football DNA, that will be synonymous with our badge, colours and history of our great club playing attractive, attacking high energy football.

We strive to inspire, influence and impact our young players to not only help become good footballers but also great people.

Our Objectives:

• South Melbourne to develop talented, intelligent and responsible footballers.
• South Melbourne to play a distinct style and have a clear football vision and philosophy.
• Providing the environment to give players the best opportunity to develop as footballers and play the highest possible level.
• Giving young players the best training sessions possible to improve their level.
• Striving to create the best players and persons as possible.
• Helping build our club culture and philosophy bringing back what we once had.

Regards
Michael Valkanis

South progresses in short-list for A-League expansion

We can advise our players, parents, members and supporters Football Federation Australia have advised South Melbourne FC has progressed to the next short-list of clubs being considered for a licence in the expanded A-League.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Chairman Bill Papastergiadis said “we are excited to remain in the running to secure a licence in an expanded Hyundai A-League. We remain confident we a have a strong bid and have positioned ourselves as the only option with existing football operations and ready-to-play football stadium infrastructure.”

“The club has engaged proactively with the FFA and its consultants Deloitte over the last six months to demonstrate the strengths of South Melbourne FC and the potential we can bring to the league. We welcome the opportunity to understand the areas of the bid the FFA has identified as requiring further work. This will enable us to provide the confidence of our clubs readiness to commence from the 2019/20 season and our capability to be sustainable from day one” he said.

South Melbourne FC will provide further update in the future as the process progresses.

South Melbourne FC is aware of an article released at 5:30pm Friday 12 October 2018 by Clement Tito on FTBL.com.au, published by nextmedia Pty. Ltd. pertaining to matters between the club and current and former players/employees.

Whilst the club avoids making public comment regarding these matters, the club provides the following information in the interests of accuracy and transparency.

Player contracts

In circumstances where players have breached their contractual obligations, the club will continue to work with the players and the PFA to resolve any dispute.

Player contract – Liam McCormick

The club received a request from Liam McCormick to be released and the club agreed to the mutual termination of the contract to allow the player to play more regularly. The club has reviewed its records pertaining to the mutual contract termination with Liam McCormick and can confirm no amount was owing at the time it was signed.

The club is disappointed by the comments made by Liam McCormick given the assistance provided by the club and the agreement made to release him early from his contract.

Superannuation payments

The club complied with all its obligations to Despina Donato in November 2017 and the club has co operated fully with enquiries from the Australian Taxation Office in that respect. The club always maintains its commitment to ensuring all of its workers are paid their lawful entitlements.

On two occasions over the last week the article author Clement Tito spoke to club President Leo Athanasakis. On both occasions Leo offered to open up the club books to demonstrate appropriate payments being made and to show any associated documentation he wanted to see in relation to any of the claims and allegations he was making.

On both of these occasions, Clement Tito declined this opportunity.

In relation to the claims made in the article, the club is very comfortable with its position in relation to players who have breached their respective contracts and/or negotiated their departures from South Melbourne Football Club.

The club is considering its legal options in relation to the claims and allegations made in this article. The club will not make any further comment at this time.

South Board elects new President & Vice President

South Melbourne FC is proud to announce its Board has unanimously endorsed Nicholas Maikousis (President) and Gabrielle Giuliano (Vice President) to serve as leaders of the club.

The club has experienced stable administration over the past decade under Leo Athanasakis. Leo having announced his retirement as President, together with other changes being made means the Club will enter 2019 and its 60th Anniversary year with a new leadership team.

South members, players, parents and supporters will be familiar with both Nicholas and Gabrielle as they have both been involved in football and the club extensively over the years. They have committed to building on the proud history and strong foundation of the club and will bring a renewed focus on club culture, accountability and sound business acumen to drive the club in a new strategic direction.

The Board has formally appointed Nicholas Maikousis to the position of President and Gabrielle Giuliano to the position of Vice President at the last Board meeting.

Talking to smfc.com.au, Nicholas Maikousis said “This club has a rich history and I am proud to have the opportunity to serve as President. Four generations of my family have followed the club and I vividly remember when I first became involved in the club all those years ago. Over time I have seen how the culture and engagement of the players, coaches, staff, members and supporters has always been a critical component of its success. As we enter our 60th year, it is important to acknowledge the challenges we have faced, the opportunities we have been presented with and the success we have all enjoyed together.”

“I have confidence together with Gabrielle, existing and new board members, the club can embrace the necessary steps we need to take to establish a solid footing upon which we can launch our next successful football campaign. It is our responsibility to represent and act on behalf of the members to continually build and improve our business, whilst protecting the interests and assets of the Club” he said.

Gabrielle Giuliano also shared her thoughts on the future saying “South Melbourne is about to celebrate its 60th year and I am excited at the opportunity to be a part of the leadership team as we start to write the next chapter in the Clubs proud history. My vision has always been for our members to achieve and continuously experience excellence and enjoyment in their football journey. This applies equally to our players, parents, members and supporters. We are all involved in the club in different ways and we share a common bond, passion and commitment that comes with being a part of the South Melbourne family”.

“The club is experiencing a period of change and this provides the opportunity to reflect on the past but also reset for the future. It is an encouraging time for everyone to reconnect with the club and reinvigorate the culture that has and continues to bring us success both on and off the field” she said.

The Annual General Meeting is scheduled for late 2018 with the details to soon be announced.

South Melbourne FC is proud to announce the establishment of a powerchair football team and the creation of the South Melbourne Powerchair Football Club.

Powerchair football is an all-abilities sport for those who require an electric wheelchair as their primary means of mobility. This involves those affected by Muscular Dystropy and Cerebral Palsy, but may also involve those who have a disability as a result of a workplace or vehicle accident. The sport is played on a basketball size court using an oversize ball.

The team competes in the Victorian Electric Wheelchair Sports Association (VEWSA) League. The formation of the South Melbourne team in 2018 introduced the first opportunity for competitive powerchair football in Victoria. Melbourne City FC has been a supporter of the sport and this year was the first chance for players to go head-to-head.

Over the course of eleven rounds, South Melbourne defeated Melbourne City on six occasions, drawing one and losing four. A successful first year under Captain Jules North-Coombes and Coach Rebecca Gullé saw us finish six points clear winning the league with a goal difference of plus six. More importantly than the result was the ability for South Melbourne to assist the sport and the players participate in a competitive environment as well as introduce some new players into the sport.

We also recognise our striker and Australian Poweroos representative Shaun Mott who secured the league golden boot scoring fourteen goals for the season.

Talking to smfc.com.au, Football Director Nicholas Maikousis said “I am really proud of the work the club has put into assisting the growth of powerchair football and providing additional opportunities for electric wheelchair-bound community members to engage in sporting activities. We have committed to providing financial, equipment, logistical and media support for the team and players.”

“We firmly believe in empowering our players outside the game and involving them various aspects of the club. For this reason, we have registered South Melbourne Powerchair FC as a separate club and are proud to have Craig Kilby serve as its founding President. Craig has been involved in the sport for over fifteen years and has been instrumental in its growth, development and the introduction of new players. He also serves as the Vice-President of the Victorian Electric Wheelchair Sports Association. With Craig’s support, we have already been successful in the clubs first sporting grant application to assist with funding equipment and uniforms for the players” Nicholas said.

After the last match SMPFC President Craig Kilby spoke to smfc.com.au saying “This is the first season we have had dedicated teams and we are improving and playing better as a group. We have some new players to the sport this year and there are players with new and upgraded wheelchairs to get used to. I would really like to thank everyone at South Melbourne who has helped us form the new club and the team. The club has worked with their equipment sponsor Sportsmart to create tailored kit just for us. It has numbers on the sleeves together with the South Melbourne and the VEWSA logo on the front.”

“It’s a privilege to be able to serve as the Club’s founding President. The introduction of South Melbourne this year means we can play competitively. The other main benefit is travelling to the Club Championship in January as a second team from Victoria. It opens up more opportunities for players to play the game” he said.

South Melbourne Powerchair FC will travel to Sydney in January to compete in the National Club Championship. Over the course of a week the squad will face off against teams from Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanders, Central Coast Mariners, Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar. The 2019 VEWSA League will commence in May next year with rounds being played at the AquaHub in Croydon.

2018 South Melbourne Powerchair Team
#1 James North-Coombes
#3 Shaun Mott
#6 Craig Kilby
#9 Jules North-Coombes (Captain)
#11 Chris Kessaris
Rebecca Gullé (Coach)

South Melbourne FC would like to acknowledge the assistance on Luke David, President of VEWSA and Martin Dalrymple of the Australian Powerchair Football Association in the establishment of the club.