On Saturday August 20 Manny Koutroulis led the club Boroondara Carey Eagles in his 100th league match to victory against south Springvale by 4 goals to 1 to lead his club to NPL football in season 2023.
In a rags-to-riches club football story, Koutroulis has led the eagles to winning four straight promotions from State 4 to state 1 with a highly impressive record of 73 wins, 15 draws and 12 losses.
Koutroulis was quick to point out that during the interrupted by COVID-19 years, he was able to continue momentum from one season to the next by stating “it’s important to note now that in season 2021 we were 10 points clear of promotion when the season was cancelled due to COVID-19. We came back to attempt to repeat the run again in the same league and I went into the season with my captain retiring, and two senior starting strikers moving on to lower leagues due to personal work reasons so to come back and do it again in these circumstances speaks volumes. Koutroulis also added that he retained an overall 2021/2022 state 1 ladder which results show the eagles being the best performed state 1 South East team”.
Koutroulis also said, “I wanted my players to be hungry to win a league that for me went for a duration of two years and 35+ matches so rather than feel sorry for themselves after 2021 I sold them a unique goal to achieve.”
The coach, who has continued to fly under the radar whilst securing and unprecedented four consecutive promotions is not looking back and looking forward to more success in the future.
“I’ve always believed in my ability to manage players well and continue to bring in the right players who fit the club culture. Players come in and work hard in great facilities, under a strong coaching team and a very stable and supportive club board,” Koutroulis said, adding that the club has shown that they “can step up levels in the past” and will work hard and prepare well to achieve to continue strong results.
Asked more about his future goals and what possibilities are there beyond his current role, Koutroulis said he was happy to represent “such a great community club”.
“I’m looking forward to leading them into NPL Tier Football and will continue to work hard at becoming a better coach and will see where that leads to in the future.”
