Even though we have missed Mathew and look forward to his return in a few days, we were fortunate to have Michael Panopoulos take the Gold team’s training session in lieu of Mathew on Tuesday night. Word had obviously gotten around, as the kids were very excited that Michael would be leading the session. Many of the players and parents wanted to know more about Michael and his achievements as professional footballer, so here is a brief career history.
Michael has over 12 years experience playing over 350 games in a professional football career in Europe within Greece (Premier Division), England (First Division) and Scotland (Premier League) as well as playing in the local national competition with South Melbourne. Michael is a current player and assistant manager with Oakleigh Cannons in the Victorian Premier League working with Stuart Munroe (ex Glasgow Rangers player in the Scottish Premier League) and Head Soccer coach of Wesley College.
Michael Panopoulos in action for Portsmouth
Having progressed from the youth league in Australia with Heidelberg United in 1993 Michael was offered a professional contract with Aris Salonika in the Greek Premier Division where he commenced his professional playing career. His initial football playing career at Aris Salonika provided achievements including playing in the UEFA cup competition and a finalist in the Greek Cup. At the age of 22 Michael’s talent was identified by Portsmouth’s football manager Alan Ball (former World Cup winner with England in 1966) and was subsequently signed for a club record GBP1.0 million (A$3 million) in August 2000. In the three years at Portsmouth Michael’s playing highlights included FA Cup participation, helping the club to promotion to the Premier League and working under Manager Harry Rednapp.
Michael transferred from Portsmouth to Dunfermline in the Scottish Premier League on a short term contract and has since played a brief stint in the Australian National League with South Melbourne and last year in the Greek Premier Division with Kerkyra FC. Michael has now settled back in Australia and is contracted to play for Oakleigh Cannons in the Victorian Premier League.
An explosive Michael charging for the ball with Pompey
