Tara Murray
Altona Magic has parted ways with coach Savvas Patikkis.
The club announced this week on social media that they had parted ways with Patikkis at the conclusion of the National Premier League season.
“In 2021, Patikkis came to Altona as an assistant, then made head coach shortly after,” the social media post said.
“As the club fought relegation, he was able to assert himself as a coach with drive and persistence.
“He was to remain the head coach for the 2022 season, where he was able to work on settling the team and bringing in a style of play for the team.
“Throughout the year, Patikkis also provided the chance for younger players to be part of his set up, which the club acknowledges.”
“The AMSC committee and wider family wish Savvas the very best in his footballing and coaching aspirations.”
The Magic finished this season in 11th spot. They had eight wins and three draws in their 26 matches.
The club only claimed four points of a possible 27 in their last eight games.
Patikkis told Star Weekly at the start of the season that this year was a reset after the disappointing 2021 which resulted in just two wins from an 18 round shortened season due to COVID-19.
“We have had 13 players who have left from last season,” he said at the time.
“It’s practically a new side. The players who left weren’t going to fit into the scope of the plans I have for the team.
“The team and the club needed a bit of an overhaul.”
Meanwhile, the NPL’s best players were recognised at Football Victoria’s Gold Medal night last Monday.
Heidelberg’s Kaine Sheppard and Oakleigh’s Joseph Knowles tied for the NPL Victoria Men’s Gold Medal on 24 votes, while FV Emerging’s Sarah Cain and Box Hill’s Sofia Sakalis shared the honour of winning the NPLW Gold Medal, both finishing on 21 votes.
