Category: News

Wednesday, 11 June 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club has moved to clarify its playing list ahead of the upcoming National Soccer League season. The South Melbourne squad has been reviewed in recent weeks by newly appointed coach Stuart Munro.

Munro has elected not to pursue contract renewals with four players – David Clarkson 35, Fausto De Amicis 35, Steve Iosifidis 29 and Peter Buljan 24. All four players had contracts that had expired or were expiring at the end of the month.

“It was a tremendously difficult decision” said Munro. “These players have a history of success with the club and they have been wonderful servants to South Melbourne. Everybody here is very grateful for their contributions. There is however an element of rebuilding that needs to be done and it is time for a new generation of players to make their mark.”

South Melbourne President Peter Mitrakas joined Munro in thanking the four players for their years of service. “I never like seeing players leave South Melbourne” said Mitrakas, “especially those of the calibre of these four. Stuart (Munro) had to make some tough choices and in the case of these four players it was decided not to renew their contracts. Their individual efforts and contributions over the years are greatly appreciated. They have been part of the fabric of South Melbourne and everybody at the club wishes them well for the future.”

Wednesday, 28 May 2003 12:00 AM

Stuart Munro is the new coach of the South Melbourne Soccer Club.

Munro, 40, played with Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Premier Division, earning 4 Scottish Premier League Championship medals and 4 League Cup Winner’s medals between 1984 and 1991.

Playing with Sydney United in 1997/98, Munro went on to coaching positions in Australia with Easter Pride (1998/99) and Carlton in 1999/2000. Munro led the Carlton team to the Preliminary Final in 2000. Most recently Munro’s National Soccer League involvement has been as assistant coach with Parramatta Power.

South Melbourne President Peter Mitrakas has hailed Munro as the perfect person to lead the club.

“We are thrilled to have such a professional coach taking over the reigns at the most successful club in the country,” says Mitrakas. “He was an outstanding candidate with professional credentials and someone who can be part of a larger program of growing the club in the Australian sporting community. I have no doubt in my mind that he is the best soccer coach in the country.”

Munro described the appointment as “a huge honour” and described South Melbourne as the best club in Australian soccer. “I have been involved with some great clubs overseas and walking into South Melbourne I get the same feeling of pride and achievement”, said Munro.

“I have one role at this club and that is to bring success. I am not here to build a youth team or finish sixth or seventh on the ladder. I am here to build a championship team.”

Munro has a two year deal with South Melbourne and takes over immediately. South Melbourne is likely to begin pre-season training at the start of July, with the new National Soccer League season due to kick off in late September.

South Melbourne is a founding member of the Australian National Soccer League and were champions in 1984, 1991, 1998 and 1999.

Thursday, 22 May 2003 12:00 AM

The South Melbourne Soccer Club is hiring a new General Manager.

We are Australia’s most successful soccer club, regularly winning championships and providing players for the Socceroos.

We are keen to match our on-field success off the park by hiring a highly capable manager to lead the Club into soccer’s exiting future. Recent macro developments for soccer have resulted in the game entering its brightest period for many years.

You will have demonstrated experience in managing stakeholders and achieving objectives in complex operating environments. Those in the legal, finance or commercial fields may be best-suited – sports administration experience is not a pre-requisite.

Financial literacy and the ability to negotiate and manage contracts with key external partners are essential to this role.

Reporting the Board of Directors, you will also be able to articulate the Club’s vision by developing and implementing business plans.

You will be able to recruit senior positions in the administration and call on the resources of a number of volunteers through a well-developed sub-committee structure.

Key responsibilities of the role include:
– day to day administrative and financial running of the Club including men’s senior team, juniors and woman’s senior teams
– developing and implementing marketing plans encompassing brand and sponsorship elements
– driving corporate sales by developing key relationships with sponsors and coterie groups
– developing and implementing an events and functions calendar
– fulfilling all regulatory and legal requirements
– managing contracts with Government, suppliers and players

Interested parties should submit their CV 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:
The President.
South Melbourne Soccer Club
PO BOX 5122
Clayton Vic 3168

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.