Sport
South coach quits after another loss
Marty Shevelove
15Apr08
SOUTH Melbourne wasted little time replacing coach John Anastasiadis, who handed in his resignation a day after last week's 3-0 home loss to Green Gully.
Michael Michalakopoulos was appointed South's new coach last Tuesday and called the shots in Sunday's game against the Melbourne Knights.
Michalakopoulos, a former South player, led the Whittlesea Zebras into last year's Foxtel Cup grand final and has also coached the Essendon Royals.
"I am confident Michael will be successful and steer the club's football fortunes in the right direction," said South football operations director Jim Marinis. "Michael brings a wealth of local knowledge and ambition to the club as he aims to turn around the fortunes of one of the most impressive squad lists in the VPL. Michael has impressed me with his professional demeanor and enthusiasm. He knows many of our current players and understands what is expected."
Michalakopoulos was a forward for South from 1989-1992. He played 41 games and scored 10 goals and was a member of the 1991 team which won the NSL flag.
"There is no greater honor than wearing a South shirt and now I will have the privilege of being one of very few ex-players to have also coached the club," Michalakopoulos said. "I understand the expectation of the members, supporters and sponsors and am fully aware of the responsibility that goes with managing the team. I'm ready for the challenge and can't wait to meet and assist the players in improving the club's on-field performance.
"I feel I have unfinished business with South and appreciate that the current board has given me the opportunity to utilise the experience I have acquired over the years to ensure South Melbourne FC remains one of Australia's most prominent football clubs."
Anastasiadis took over the reins at South in 2005 after the club's fall from the NSL.
He guided South to the 2006 VPL flag in front of 7000 fans at Bob Jane Stadium. But the club failed to reach the finals last year and got off to a slow start this season, with just two wins from its first seven games.Assistant coach John Gabrielson handed in his resignation along with Anastasiadis.
"It is regrettable that that the performance of the team has led to this course of action but unfortunately the club had no choice but to accept his (Anastasiadis) resignation," Marinis said in a press release.
"John has served the club with distinction and honor both as a player and as a coach and can leave with his head held high. "Results are a reality of all football clubs and recent results have not been favorable.
"The club wishes John all the best in his future endeavours and reminds both him and John that they will always be welcome back at the club which they have served admirably over the last few years," Marinis said.
South's first home game under Michalakopoulos is on Sunday, April 20 against Fawkner Blues at 4pm.
South played at the Melbourne Knights on Sunday afternoon.
