Category: News

Thursday, 4 September 2003 12:00 AM

Tickets for the 0304 Season Launch and Auction Night are selling fast so don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this special event. Meet the players and coaching staff as they mingle with the guests and feel free to bid for your favourite player. Be a part of the night that will launch South Melbourne’s successful season in 2003/2004!

When: Friday 12th September, 7:30pm
Where: Tudor Coart Receptions, Kooyong Rd Caulfield
Price: $65 for a three course meal, beer wine and softdrinks.
Contact: Mirella 9645 9797 or click here

Tuesday, 2 September 2003 12:00 AM

Melbourne’s most famous national Soccer Club, South Melbourne received a major boost today with the announcement of mobile phone retailing giant Crazy John’s as the clubs major sponsor for this season.

This news continues the positive pre-season activities at Bob Jane Stadium and follows major local and international player signings, the recruitment of Stuart Munro as coach and the appointment of former AFL executive Mark Patterson as Chief Executive.

With the 2003/04 soccer season starting in 3 weeks time the club is positioning itself, not only for the championship but also as a major player in the revitalised National competition next year.

Crazy John’s Founder and CEO Mr John Ilhan said, “We are pleased to be the major sponsor of South Melbourne Soccer Club”. “ Our sponsorship is part of the strategic plan to continually support local clubs and the development of sport in the community, our sponsorship of South Melbourne will filter through to grass roots soccer and that is very important to us”

The sponsorship consists of a significant cash injection for the club and provides for the ability to generate addition revenue from commercial activities several of which that are already well underway.

South Melbourne Soccer Club Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mark Patterson expressed his delight with the agreement indicating that it is significant in a number of ways, “Not only is today’s announcement a commercially beneficial one, it also broadens our base of support and commences a strategy for this club to form business relationships with several major commercial brands this year”. “We are very keen to grow our corporate strength that will assist us meet the objectives of our business plan by providing better services to our supporters and members and an improved working environment for the players, administrative and coaching staff” Mr Patterson said.

Crazy John’s will receive front of shirt exposure, signage and corporate hospitality, as part of the agreement that both parties anticipate will be a long-term partnership.

Friday, 29 August 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Over the past month or so South Melbourne has been involved in a somewhat rigorous pre-season campaign against local Victorian sides. The aim of these encounters was to help ease the squad back into competitive action, to assess potential recruits and to welcome new additions to the squad. South wrapped up this “soul-searching” exercise this past Monday (25/08/03) by defeating the Oakleigh Cannons with an impressive 5-2 final score line.

Coach Munro has strategically chosen to up the level of opposition with each encounter going from State 2 N/W division leaders Pascoe Vale to Victorian Premier League promotion contenders Oakleigh. Throughout the exercise Munro has rarely fielded a side that may resemble his best 11 players, instead opting to thoroughly test a variety of prospective key-position players and promising youngsters. Coach Munro would’ve no doubt been impressed by the consistent performances of youngsters such as Murdocca, Ibraimi and Marinos and will be more than satisfied with the solid debuts of both high-profile off-season recruits Max Lohy and Michael Panopoulos.

South will now embark on the final stage of Coach Munro’s pre-season plan facing off against NSL opposition. A pre-season trip to South Australia to play against NSL side the Adelaide City Force has been planned and a friendly – at Bob Jane Stadium – against fierce local rivals the Melbourne Knights pencilled in for Sunday the 14th of September. Both encounters have been earmarked to help “match-harden” the final squad before the upcoming NSL season.

It is envisaged that Munro will teeter towards finally fielding a full-strength line-up, an ideal that South supporters over past month or so have been “salivating” over in preparation to witness.

Thursday, 28 August 2003 12:00 AM

Over 1000 keen supporters braved the Melbourne weather to celebrate the return of the South Melbourne and Heidelberg United legends teams back to Bob Jane Stadium. With a star-studded line-up from both sides it was an opportunity for old foes to once again re-live their memories of the past.

Both sides battled it out, in the first half with Heidelberg going one up just before the half time break. It then put South under pressure in the second half to get the equaliser.

The second half started just as the first, with both teams determined to win. South then equalised with Bobby McGinnes kicking a great goal. But the victory was short lived with Gary Cole from Heidelberg kicking the winner, and victory to the bergers.

Players then nursed their sore bones and egos, over a few quiet drinks as all the memories and banter of old came rushing back. The players and Club’s would like to thank the Laiki Bank for there initiative in bring together not only these great Legends of the game, but making Soccer the winner on the day.

Monday, 25 August 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne 2 – Heidelberg 0

Atrocious local weather could not prevent South Melbourne continuing its 100% pre-season record. 1000-2000 odd diehard supporters braved the conditions to witness the renewal of the once much revered South Melbourne vs. Heidelberg derby.

Typically South dominated their State 1 division rivals, with Massimo Murdocca proving to be a constant menace throughout the night. Much-heralded recruit Michael Panopoulos made his debut for the Lakesiders playing the midfield anchor role with an assurance “reeking” of European experience. Panopoulos oozed class with every touch and should go on to become crucial to South’s plight in the upcoming season.

Dutch import Max Lohy again caught the eye showcasing great ball control and always threatening with his pace, Coach Munro seems to have unearthed a player more than capable of providing that moment of inspiration that can often turn a match.

To the “Bergers” credit the scoreboard remained un-affected going into the break, however, Heidelberg can be thankful that veteran custodian Jim Kourtis was in inspirational form, repeatedly making save after save to not only keep Heidelberg in the contest but to also prevent a complete blowout.

The second half saw South continue their domination, however this time they were somewhat rewarded for their efforts. A glancing Michael Curcija header saw Kourtis finally beaten and great linkup play between South legend Trimboli, – who had come on in the 2nd half – Lohy and Murdocca saw Murdocca bundled down in the area and a subsequent penalty awarded to the home side. New Zealand International Vaughn Coveny stepped up and dually dispatched to round off the scoring.

So a comfortable win to the NSL outfit and a fitting end to a great initiative from both clubs, hopefully such an encounter can become a regular annual event with a helping hand – where possible – from the “heavens” as well.

Friday, 22 August 2003 12:00 AM

Last weekend, new assistant coach Ken Murphy took his players to the battlefields of Cold Stream to take part in a team bonding paint-ball excursion. While still owning bruises from their experiences, all those who attended said it was a great day.

The highlight of the afternoon was the shootout between Ken Murphy and Vaughan Coveny, the duel ending in multiple bruises to Vaughan. New recruit Lev Osman had an up and down day, firstly being the hero by stealing the opposition flag to win a game. This all came apart in the last game of the afternoon when he slipped over and could not get up before being surrounded by half a dozen opposition players who proceeded to empty their bullets while he lay helpless on the ground.

Fans will be happy to know that no serious injuries were reported from the day although a few egos may need repairing.

Ken and all the players would like to thank those who sponsored the trip for an ejoyable and team-bonding experience.

Friday, 22 August 2003 12:00 AM

With only a day to go to the big clash of Remember The Titans, What a great line-up with 12 Socceroos fielding Bob Jane Stadium on Saturday at 5:00pm.

South Melbourne Legends Line-Up
1. Peter Laumets
2. David Clarkson
3. John Batticciotto
4. Jim Kalambokis
5. Kris Kalifatidis
6. Alan Davidson
7. Jason Polak
8. Bill Rogers
9. Bobby McGinnes
10. Kimon Taliadoros
11. George Campbell
12. Oscar Crino
13. Tony Koutrouvelis
14. Peter Papaconstandino
15. Angelo Tsomas

Coach – Manny Poulakakis
Assistant Coach – Jimmy Armstrong
Team Manager – Con Mandalis

Heidelberg United Legends Line-Up
1. Jeff Olver
2. Peter Blaysby
3. John Anastasiadis
4. Andy Bozikas
5. Ken Taylor
6. Peter Tsolakis
7. Claude Lucchessi
8. Gary Cole
9. Michael Stogiannou
10. Phil Stubbins
11. Alex Nelson
12. Stuart Cannell
13. John Kanesoulis
14. Steve Marley
15. Doug Hodgson
16. Jimmy O’Reilly
17. Marcus Karapatsos
18. Jimmy Rooney
19. Theo Selemidis
20. Jimmy Campbell
21. Jamie Paton

Coach – Arthur McMillan

Monday, 18 August 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club proudly announces that Quit is continuing its sponsorship with South Melbourne for the 03/04 season. In announcing this sponsorship, South Melbourne has assured Quit that Bob Jane Stadium will be completly smokefree. Smoking restrictions within the stadium will be enforced however provisions will be made for smokers to leave the stadium and smoke outside. Quit is providing the club with valueable sponsorship dollars and South Melbourne is looking forward to a long and successful partnership with VicHealth.

Sunday, 17 August 2003 12:00 AM

By Markian Jaworsky

A cool finish by Adrian Cervinski on 20 minutes, was not enough to keep South Melbourne from victory in a friendly today at Green Gully Reserve.

Ian Dobson started the same XI players in this friendly as last week’s starting XI against the Preston Lions. Green Gully looked very strong in the first half, and South Melbourne spent a lot of time chasing the ball. However, on the stroke of halftime, Referee Dominic Barba ignored the offside call from the linesman and South Melbourne scored through one of their new signings.

Gully coach Ian Dobson, in preparation for next Sunday’s Victorian Premier League Grand Final at Melbourne Knights Stadium (6:00pm kick-off), shuffled his side in the second half, and gave all substitutes (K.McIvor, J.Bosnic, T.Waterson, A.Magnacca, N.Lazarevski, C.Azzopardi) a run.

With just 20 minutes to play, Con Boutsianis (who has finished his loan spell with Heidelberg) volleyed to put South 2-1 in front, and shortly after Paul Trimboli scored a world class goal with the outside of his boot, which curled into the top corner from outside the area. Definately worth viewing.

Final score: Green Gully Cavaliers 1 (1) South Melbourne 3 (1)

Special thanks for the co-operation of the Green Gully Soccer Club.

Highlights of this match, now available on Green Gully Vision.

Friday, 15 August 2003 12:00 AM

Inflated egos filled the room for the media launch of the Heidelberg Legends game. Despite the intense on-field rivalry and competitiveness between South Melbourne and Heidelberg United, the Legends from each side interacted and joked like old friends. Emcee for the night George Donikian told the audience of his own memories of the fierce battles between these two clubs, “South versus Heidelberg was as big as you could get”.

As each player was interviewed by George, overstated confidence shone through. South legend George Campbell remarked “we haven’t done any training but we’re always confident at Hellas”. Sensing another tough battle, Allan Davidson said “I hope I’ve got my shingurads on!”. While competitiveness between the two teams is still evident, winning the game is now about bragging rights rather than points. Throughout the night, all the Legends mentioned the importance of such occasions and thanked both South Melbourne and Heidelberg for organising such a special event. Respecting the past is a rarity in Australian Soccer and this is surely the first step to paying tribute to the Legends who gave us so many memories.