Heidelberg United have made the decision to part with their iconic coach, George Katsakis, bringing an end to one of the most successful partnerships in Victorian football history.
“Alexandros” made the announcement yesterday they would not reappoint Katsakis for the 2024 season, concluding Katsakis’ tenure with the club that has spanned over 16 years (with a short absence during the 2012 season) and over 350 games.
The club went through lots during Katsakis’ time as manager, including winning the second division after being relegated from the top flight in the 2012 campaign.
Great success for the team followed this in what was a golden period for Heidelberg from 2017-2019.
During these three years, “Alexandros” managed to win three consecutive premierships, the Dockerty Cup (2017), the NPL Cup of Champions (2017) and the championship (2018).
The club’s immensely fruitful campaign in 2017 saw Katsakis earn the honour of NPL Victoria Men’s Coach of the Year.
It was also in 2017 when Katsakis and Heidelberg earned their most famous win, that being their 1-0 upset in the then-FFA Cup against A-League side Perth Glory.
Indeed, “Megas” have also been one of the best-performing NPL teams in the Australia (FKA FFA) Cup, reaching the quarter-finals four times in 2015, 2017, 2018 and also in 2023.
Heidelberg United acknowledged in their announcement the incredible contribution of Katsakis to the club, saying:
“George will go down in the club’s history as its longest serving coach, having led the club through arguably its most successful era.”
The Heidelberg Board concluded their official statement with the following message:
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank George and the Katsakis family for their contribution to Heidelberg United FC, Megas Alexandros, and wish him every possible success in his future endeavours,” the statement said.
“George and the extended Katsakis family will always be respected, acknowledged and part of the HUFC Family.”
