Category: News

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

Tuesday, 6 May 2003 12:00 AM

Following the AGM and Board of Elections, held on Sunday 4 May 2003.

The following persons have been elected onto the Board of the South Melbourne Soccer Club
Anezakis Manny
Athanasakis Leo
Delaney Andrew
Diamataris Phil
George Peter
Livaditis George
Maikousis Nicholas
Margaritis Panos
Mitrakas Peter
Papos Peter
Poutakidis Ken
Skrepetis Peter
Stavros Con
Sterpin Anthony
Tripotseris Bill

Thursday, 24 April 2003 12:00 AM

The Board of the South Melbourne Soccer Club has appointed Mr Sam David as the Returning Officer in respect of the Club’s elections to be held immediately following the completion Club’s AGM on 4 May 2003.

Mr David, a former Mayor of the City of Brimbank has considerable soccer experience having served as a Director of the Club and as a Commissioner of the Victorian Soccer Federation.

“I am always available to serve the Club”, said Mr David. “I encourage all members to attend the AGM and exercise their voting rights so as to direct the future of the Club during what promises to be an exciting period for soccer in Australia.’

Nominations for the Board have been received from the following persons:
Athanasakis Leo, Anezakis Emmanuel, Delaney A., Diamataris Phillip, George Peter, Hatzieleftheriou Antonis, Leloudas John, Livaditis George, Maikousis Nicholas, Margaritis Panos, McLaren Bruce, Mitrakas Peter, Papos Peter, Petropoulos John, Poutakidis Ken, Skrepetis Peter, Stavros Con, Sterpin Anthony, Taliadoros Kimon, Tripotseris Bill and Zervos Nicolas

The elections process, by secret ballot, will immediately follow the conclusion of the AGM which is scheduled to commence at 11.00 am.

“I request that members arrive early in order that they be registered and for the AGM to commence promptly” said David. “ Based on past experience and the number of candidates, the results should be known by early evening.”

For any further information please, do not hesitate in contacting Mirella Venturato at the South Melbourne Soccer Club on (03) 9645 9797 during business hours.

Tuesday, 22 April 2003 12:00 AM

The South Melbourne Soccer Club has received the following nominations for its Board of Directors.

Athanasakis Leo
Anezakis Emmanuel
Delaney A.
Diamataris Phillip
George Peter
Hatzieleftheriou Antonis
Leloudas John
Livaditis George
Maikousis Nicholas
Margaritis Panos
McLaren Bruce
Mitrakas Peter
Papos Peter
Petropoulos John
Poutakidis Ken
Skrepetis Peter
Stavros Con
Sterpin Anthony
Taliadoros Kimon
Tripotseris Bill
Zervos Nicolas

Thursday, 17 April 2003 12:00 AM

Yet another of South Melbourne’s “Young Guns” is leaving Australian shores for trials with a leading European Club. The “baby” of the Senior Squad, Vince Lia, joins Patrick Kisnorbo, Massimo Murdocca and Michael Baird who are all trialing overseas.

Vince, who only turned 18 a few weeks ago, is leaving for a trial with Germany’s leading Clubs – Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. Founded in 1893, FdV Stuttgart has a state-of-the-art stadium with a capacity of 60,000 people. It has a proud record in the Bundesliga and reputation for producing and developing young players.

Vince told southmelbournesc.com.au, ‘I had the opportunity to travel to Stuttgart earlier in the year but decided instead to finish the NSL season with South Melbourne. Now that the opportunity has arisen again, I am excited and can’t wait to get over there’.

‘The Bundesliga is a fantastic league and has produced some great players over the years. There is no doubt that I have been given a fantastic opportunity. I will give it everything I’ve got, and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead’.

Vince has impressed many fans at the South Melbourne Soccer Club with his exciting, “gliding” style of football. Season 2002-2003 has seen him cement a position in the Senior Team, with several starts in the starting eleven. Many feel that he has the potential to reach great heights with his soccer career. He has not only caught the eye of fans, but has also caught the eye of the Australian ‘Joeys’ Coach Ange Postecoglou when – along with Massimo Murdocca and Michael Baird – he was named in the squad to travel to the United Emirates for the World Under20 Championships. This will now take place in December 2003.

South Melbourne wishes Vince the best of luck for his time in Germany.

Friday, 11 April 2003 12:00 AM

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the South Melbourne Hellas Soccer Club Limited will be held on Sunday, 4th May, 2003 at the ‘Sportsbar’ at Bob Jane Stadium (25 Albert Road Drive, Albert Park).

AGENDA

1. Confirmation of last minutes of the General Meeting held on the 29th September 2002

2. Finance Report & Presentation of Audited Accounts
(Financials will be available on the day or available at the Club on request)

3. Appointment of Auditor

4. Marketing Report

5. President’s Report

6. Election of Committee
(Nomination forms are available from the Club on request
Nominations shall close at 4:00pm Friday 18 April 2003)

7. General Business

The meeting will commence at 11:00am sharp.

Friday, 11 April 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Clubs’s in-form young goal-keeper, Eugene Galekovic, today became the fourth South Melbourne player to catch the eye of Australian National team coaches with his selection in the Under 23 Australian Team (Olyroos) to play against the Spanish Under 23 team. The match will be played in Lorca, Spain on Tuesday 29th April 2003. He joins other South Melbourne “young guns” Vince Lia, Michael Baird and Massimo Murdocca in gaining international selection. The trio are all part of the Under 20 Australian Youth team.

Eugene has impressed all at South Melbourne this season with his professionalism and level-headedness. He now has the opportunity to put himself in the international “shop window”.

Eugene told southmelbournesc.com.au, “When I got the call this afternoon, I couldn’t believe it. When I first came across to South Melbourne, I thought to myself this is a fantastic opportunity to be at such a great club, and I was prepared to be patient and wait my turn. Then when the opportunity arose to show my talents, I knew that I had some big shoes to fill, and South being the professional club that they are, I would have to work real hard at cementing my position, and I enjoyed the challenge given to me.”

“Every player aspires and dreams of wearing the Green and Gold and representing their country, and now that it has become a reality it’s a little hard to digest. I will give it my best shot and enjoy the experience and savour every moment.”

Eugene will head into camp on Saturday the 26th April before the game on Tuesday 29th April 2003. This is a date set aside by FFA for an International Match.

In other news, FIFA announced today that the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship has been rescheduled for November 27 through to December 19 2003. The tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates.

The announcement pleased Under 20 Coach Ange Postecoglou who feared that the tournament may have been scratched all together, and that a whole group of players would have missed the chance to appear on what is a world stage.

Postecoglou has said, “The players that were originally selected have their places in jeopardy depending on their form, and for the players that missed out it gives them a second chance. From my point of view it is virtually a case of starting from scratch and putting a program in place.”

South Melbourne would like to congratulate Eugene on his tremendous achievement.

Wednesday, 2 April 2003 12:00 AM

This week, Young Socceroos Massimo Murdocca and Patrick Kisnorbo will depart for Europe, in sight of a contract with some of Europe’s top-flight clubs.

Murdocca who has played 44 NSL games is heading for Portugal, on a two week trial with glamour club Sporting Lisbon, while Gun defender Patrick Kisnorbo will also depart today for the Italian shores. Patrick is expected to be away for at least one month with trials expected at several clubs.

Dynamo and a crowd favourite Massimo Murdocca, is excited by the prospect of playing alongside some of Europe’s best but is well aware of the towering pressures of European Football.

“The scariest thing is that I am going by myself. It’s a hurdle I will have to overcome. I am confident about playing quality soccer and this is something I am keen to do. I have been keeping fit and working hard to be in good shape”, says Murdocca.

“I am happy that I have finally taken my chance. I have had offers in the past and have turned them down. I believe I am ready to go abroad now and hopefully have some success”.

“I want to begin at a good club, in a good league. I feel excited and I think Sporting Lisbon is a good club to start at. I have always heard of the club and I am looking forward to the experience in getting a taste of European Football”.

South Melbourne Soccer Club wishes the players a safe trip and every success with their European trials.

Monday, 24 March 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club has secured its first signing of the pre-season. Inspiring goalkeeper, Eugene Galekovic has committed himself to the club, agreeing on a new two-year contract.

“This is fantastic news for the Club in our endeavours to re-sign players from our existing squad”, Club President, Peter Mitrakas.

Twenty-year-old Galekovic played 15 matches this season, making giant strides and showing much potential and continued improvement. He established himself as a first team regular and gained valuable experience this season.

The young keeper is delighted with his signing and looks forward to the next two seasons at Lakeside.

“I am delighted with the new deal and to be part of the immediate future of Australia’s most successful soccer club. I believe the club will re-establish itself as a force within the League next season. South Melbourne fans demand and deserve success and I confidently predict continued success is around the corner”, says Galekovic.

“Playing regular football for South Melbourne will give me a pathway to Socceroo representation. I hope to improve on my performances of last season, to attract the attention of Mr. Farina and be part of the Olyroos set up”.

Young Socceroo coach Ange Postecoglou has taken notice of Galekovic’s performances this season, as the young goalkeeper strives for National Team representation.

“Galekovic had a good year and was noticed by Frank Farina, myself and the National Team coaches. With the 2004 Olympics around the corner, he is certainly contention and will need to be consistent next season”, says Ange Postecoglou.

South Melbourne’s Football Operations Department will speak to classy midfielder Con Boutsianis next and will try to lock in a long-term deal with the enigmatic former Socceroo.

The Club is assembling a coaching selection committee to commence interviews for the vacant coaching position. Interviews will commence with a fortnight.

Football Operations Manager Manny Anezakis is predicting a busy period as the Club determines it’s new coach, continues the process of re-signing uncontracted players from its existing squad and looks to strengthen the squad upon the appointment of its new senior coach.

“We have placed an enormous priority on re-signing our players over the next two months. Galekovic is the first in a string of players and we are dedicated to promptly speaking to the entire squad”, says Anezakis.

Monday, 24 March 2003 12:00 AM

With South Melbourne’s 2002/03 Campaign over, the time is right to look back at what has been an eventful season.

Season 2002/03 will be defined as an important and historic season for the South Melbourne Soccer Club. Despite the obvious disappointment of not qualifying for the finals series, President Peter Mitrakas and his Board have delivered a number of notable achievements.

These achievements are all the more significant given the difficult trading conditions for all soccer clubs in Australia.

This season South Melbourne has embraced greater professionalism and business practices throughout the Club. These practices have already improved day-to-day operations and will continue to bear fruit in the coming years.

2002/03 Key achievements
As a result of the combined efforts of the Board, Administration, and our loyal supporters, the Club has achieved the following:
• A reduction in debt levels from $1.3M in May 2002 to $670,000 as of March 2003
 • A “balanced budget” for this season with the Club on track to post a modern profit
  – South Melbourne will be one of the few NSL Clubs to achieve a surplus this season
  – Apart from World Club Championship revenues, this will be the first season the Club will post an operating surplus
 • An extension of the lease for Bob Jane Stadium for a further 14 years on favourable trading terms
 • The introduction of Coterie Groups based on successful AFL models
  – Coterie groups have raised over $280,000 in 2002/03 and have introduced a number of new supporters to the Club
  – They have also proved a valuable source of advice and expertise with these groups regularly providing input into the Club’s future direction
  – A revamped Coterie system will attract additional members and revenues next season
 • Ground redevelopments including an expansion of the Corporate area
  – Construction of a further 16 corporate boxes which were largely sold
  – Construction of dedicated Coterie entertaining areas

On the Field
On the field, whilst the disappointment of not making the finals cannot be ignored, the Club has established solid platforms for future success.

This is highlighted by the recent signing of promising young goalkeeper Eugene Galokovic. Eugene joins the core group of Vince Lia, Massimo Murdocca, Michael Baird and Vaughn Covney as contracted players for next season.

The decision to part ways with coach Danny Wright was a difficult one. However the clubs run of results leading up to his parting was not satisfactory, and action was required in an attempt to improve results and qualify for the finals.

Contrary to certain media reports and despite internal process problems, South Melbourne made news of the decision public immediately after informing both Mr Wright and the players (the players were informed at their next training session). The Club owed a courtesy to the departing coach and its players and staff to release the information only after the relevant parties were informed.

Upcoming priorities
The Club has commenced work to secure a new coach for the 2003/04 Season. Interviews will commence in the coming weeks. The new coach will be responsible for finalising the player list for next season and establishing an integrated youth and junior set-up.

South Melbourne will also shortly be hiring a new General Manager. The Club has accepted the resignation of Steve Blair who was previously on extended leave. The hiring of the General Manager is part of a wider administrative review that has already seen a number of changes to the Club’s administration.

The Club will also be holding a number of functions in the coming months including a Grand Gala Auction Night and Annual Ball/Presentation Night. Details of these events will be confirmed shortly and tickets can be purchased from the Club by ringing 9645 9797 and all supporters are encouraged to attend.

The Future
The South Melbourne Board have commenced implementation on a range of strategic initiatives that will secure the ongoing viability and success of the South Melbourne Soccer Club.

These include:
 • Extinguishing all debt within 12 months
 • Securing a high-quality senior coach
 • Developing a new playing squad and recruiting the best young talent in Australia
 • Undertaking further ground developments
  – Fans should expect more improvements at Bob Jane Stadium next season
 • Continuing to be at the forefront of reform of the National Soccer League
  – South Melbourne has played a leading role in the discussions over the structure and composition of a reformed NSL
 • Positioning the Club for entry and success in a revamped NSL for season 2004/05

Questions can be directed to the Club on 9645 9797.