Atromitos F.C.

Atromitos Football Club (Greek: Π.Α.Ε. Α.Π.Σ. Ατρόμητος Αθηνών, PAE APS Atromitos Athinon), also simply known as Atromitos (literally meaning "Fearless"), is a Greek professional football club based in Peristeri, Athens that plays in the Super League. It was founded in 1923 and its home ground is Peristeri Stadium.

Atromitos
Full nameΠ.Α.Ε. Α.Π.Σ. Ατρόμητος Αθηνών
(APS Atromitos Athens Football Club)
Nickname(s)Atrómitos (Fearless)
Founded31 May 1923 (1923-05-31)
GroundPeristeri Stadium
Capacity10,050
OwnerGeorgios Spanos
PresidentVasilis Betsis
Head coachDamir Canadi
LeagueSuper League Greece
2019–20Super League Greece, 8th
WebsiteClub website

In recent years, Atromitos has established itself as one of the most competitive and strong clubs in Greece. They were runners-up of the Greek Cup in 2011 and 2012[1] and have had breakthrough runs in the league, finishing 4th in 2011–12, 3rd in 2012–13, 4th in 2013–14 and 4th as well in 2014–15 and 2018–19. Their best performance in the league has been third place, which they have achieved in the 1928 and 2013 seasons of the Greek Championship.

History

Early years

Atromitos was officially founded on 31 May 1923 when Kalomvounis, Petos, Glykofridis, Stathopoulos, Synodinos, Rigopoulos, Stamatopoulos, and other students living in Victoria Square, (which was then called Kyriakou Square) decided to form a football team.[2] That same year, Vaggelis Stamatis, a mathematics teacher and member of the Panhellenic football league, joined Atromitos' administration board – because of his prominence in pre-war Greek football history, Stamatis' involvement increased the new team's stature in Athenian football.[2][3]

First league steps

In 1924, Atromitos was accepted into the Greek football league.[2] At the time, Atromitos played at Aris Park, which was the home ground of Panellinios and Panathinaikos.[2] During their first season in the league's first division, they ended in third place behind Panathinaikos and AEK.[2] In 1928, they defeated Goudi 4–3 in the final game at Rouf Stadium to become champions of Athens.[2] That same year, they took part in the first Panhellenic Championship as Athens champions, which was organised by the HFF.[4] On 24 May 1928, they were beaten 3–1 by Aris Thessaloniki (who later became champions) in an away game, and were defeated again on 3 June by Ethnikos Piraeus (5–0). On 10 June, they managed a draw at home against Ethnikos (1–1), before losing again to Aris 3–1 seven days later.[2] Overall in the national championship, Atromitos finished third.[4]

During the following two years, Atromitos stayed in the upper part of the first division of Athens, and in 1929, they finished third behind Panathinaikos and AEK.[5] They repeated the feat in 1930[6] but they were relegated from the first division of Athens in 1931, as they came last with only one point.[7]

Move to Peristeri

In 1932, Ioseph Chourouktsoglou and Nikolaos Epioglou decided to move Atromitos to Peristeri. Earlier, it was located in the same area as Panathinaikos, and they had found it hard to establish a large fan base or develop a unique identity. There, they formed a merger with the local team of Astir Peristeriou (meaning "Star"), from which comes the crest of Atromitos, a blue star.[8]

Before occupation of Greece, they played again in Panhellenic championship in the season of 1938–39.

Atromitos played in the second division until May 1972 when, under the coaching of Savvas Papazoglou, they were re-promoted to the first level. It proved a change too hard to handle, and they were demoted the following year. In 1975, a better-prepared Atromitos returned to the first division with a large fanbase, and ended the year in 13th place, securing their spot in the top flight. In 1976, they improved to end the season in 9th place, the best in the club's history. But, they were relegated in 1977.

By 1981, Atromitos had succeeded in attracting renowned players such as Stylianopoulos, Álvarez, Toskas and Athanasopoulos. However, despite high expectations, the club finished last in the top flight, and once more returned to the lower divisions. After years of playing in the third division, Atromitos won promotion back to the second division in May 2002 by beating Levadiakos at Patras Stadium. The team played again in the top flight between 2005–2008 by merging with Chalkidona[9] and returned to the top flight after playing one season in the second division in 2008–09.[10][11]

In the 2010–11 season, Atromitos made a historic run to the Greek Cup Final. However, they lost 3–0 to AEK.[12]

Recent years

2012–13 season
Javier Umbides

Atromitos finished the 1st half of the season in 4th place, together with Asteras Tripolis and 14 points from the top, but 4 points from 6th place, that doesn't redirect to the playoffs. On 6 January 2013, at the debut of Nikos Anastopoulos in the coaching position and the Portuguese footballer Fabio, Atromitos beat Kerkyra 2–0, with two headers. From Sokratis Fytanidis at the 26th minute and from Stathis Tavlaridis at the 31st minute. In other words, the win was awarded to the team by the two centre backs. The team stayed in 4th with Asteras Tripolis, but now 6 points from the 6th place. One matchday later, they managed to get the 0–0 from PAOK at Toumba,[13] retaining the 6 points difference from PAS Giannina. On Matchday 18, they beat Platanias 1–0, getting to be only 3 points from 2nd place. The goal was scored by Eduardo Brito.

2015–16 season

For the 2015–16 season, Atromitos has achieved an important qualification to the UEFA Europa League playoffs after recording two wins against AIK Stockholm, 3–1 in the first game in Sweden and 1–0 in the rematch at Peristeri Stadium. There they faced highly rated Fenerbahçe S.K. of Turkey. They lost 0–1 in the first match at Peristeri Stadium and 0–3 in the rematch in Turkey and were eliminated.

Damir Canadi's era

At 21 June 2017, Atromitos announced Damir Canadi[14] as the new head coach of the club.[15] At 23 October 2017, Atromitos won AEK 0–1 in an away game[16] and then recognition began.[17][18] Atromitos finished 4th at the 2017–18 season.[19]

On 20 March 2017, announced that Canadi will manage the club also for the 2018–19 season.[20]

Crest and colours

Crest evolution
  • Until 2012
  • 2012–current

Kit evolution

First

1923–24
2006–07
2011–14
2015–16
2018–19

Alternative

2006–07
2006–07
2015–16
2015–16
2018–19

Facilities

Stadium
Peristeri Stadium

The home ground of Atromitos was once well-maintained but has been recently neglected. In its early days, Peristeri had grown to become the fourth largest municipality in Greece. The first club home ground was the grounds of "Bravery", which was located beyond the last shanty town of Evangelistria.

In 1953, Atromitos moved to their present location, which contained only central stands for the spectators; the changing rooms consisted of a small room at the end of the stands. Much later, a larger stand was built with a capacity of 6,000 spectators. It was also used for non-football purposes, such as musical performances.

During the chairmanship of Victor Mitropoulos in EPAE, blue and white plastic seats were installed in the central stand. Before the Athens Olympics, Atromitos installed floodlights and renovated the running track so the ground could be used as a coaching facility during the Olympic Games. Under the football ground there are spaces and facilities for activities such as wrestling, chess and boxing.[21]

Repairs to fragile parts of the stadium due to humidity and earthquake damage are expected to be carried out.

Training ground

Since summer of 2007, Atromitos possesses a modern Sports Complex, located in the center of Peristeri.[22] During the summer of 2004, this same Sports Complex has been used as the Peristeri Olympic Boxing Hall and includes a 3,000 spectators main pitch, an auxiliary pitch as well as a 5-a-side pitch, such as the club's offices.[23]

Plus, Atromitos possess installations situated on NATO Avenue, in the Aspropyrgos area.[24] The Aspropyrgos training center includes a football pitch, dressing rooms, a fully equipped gym and a massage area.[25] The Aspropyrgos football pitch is also being used by the Atromitos U-21 and U-17 youth teams.[26]

Supporters

Atromitos are based in western Athens and their main supporters club is called "Fentagin".[27] Founded in 1980, they have a space underneath the stands. They are dedicated to support the local football club and their anti-fascist and anti-racist ideas and actions.[28] The younger element of the support are known as the "Little Atoms".

Players

Current squad
As of 14 August 2020[29][30]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
4 DF  GRE Dimitris Goutas
6 MF  GRE Charis Charisis
7 MF  BIH Azer Bušuladžić
8 MF  ARG Javier Umbides (captain)
9 FW  GRE Giorgos Manousos
10 MF  CHI Bryan Rabello
11 MF  ISR Amir Agayev
12 DF  BRA Rodrigo Galo
14 FW  GRE Konstantinos Kotsopoulos
16 MF  GRE Spyros Natsos
19 DF  GRE Kyriakos Kivrakidis (vice-captain)
No. Pos. Nation Player
20 FW  GRE Petros Giakoumakis
21 MF  AUT Patrick Salomon
22 GK  GRE Andreas Gianniotis (on loan from Maccabi Tel Aviv)
27 FW  GRE Georgios Daviotis
29 DF  GRE Stefanos Stroungis
30 GK  GRE Christos Theodorakis
34 FW  GRE Antonis Trimmatis
35 GK  GRE Christos Mandas
39 FW  GRE Apostolos Vellios
40 FW  GRE Ronaldo Shani
44 DF  GRE Spyros Risvanis (third-captain)

Honours and Achievements

Honours

Leagues
  • Football League (Second Division)
Winners (3): 1971–72, 1979–80, 2008–09
Winners (1): 1988
Winners (1): 1998
  • Athens FCA Regional Championship
Winners (2): 1928, 1962

Achievements

Leagues
Third place (2): 1927–28, 2012–13

Cups
Runners-up (2): 2010–11, 2011–12

Seasons in the 21st century
Season Category Position Cup Notes
2000–01 Gamma Ethniki 3rd GS
2001–02 Gamma Ethniki 5th GS Promoted to Beta Ethniki
2002–03 Beta Ethniki 9th 1R
2003–04 Beta Ethniki 13th 2R
2004–05 Beta Ethniki 15th 2R Relegated to Gamma Ethniki, but merged with Chalkidona

and took their place in Alpha Ethniki

Atromitos merged with Chalkidona
2005–06 Alpha Ethniki 7th 4R Qualified to Uefa Cup
2006–07 Super League 8th 4R
2007–08 Super League 14th SF Relegated to Beta Ethniki
2008–09 Beta Ethniki 1st 4R Promoted to Super League
2009–10 Super League 7th 5R
2010–11 Super League 11th RU
2011–12 Super League 4th RU Qualified to Uefa Europa League
2012–13 Super League 3rd 3R Qualified to Uefa Europa League
2013–14 Super League 4th QF Qualified to Uefa Europa League
2014–15 Super League 4th GS Qualified to Uefa Europa League
2015–16 Super League 8th SF
2016–17 Super League 8th QF
2017–18 Super League 4th QF Qualified to Uefa Europa League
2018–19 Super League 4th R16 Qualified to Uefa Europa League

Best position in bold.

Key: 3R = Third Round, 4R = Fourth Round, 5R = Fifth Round, GS = Group Stage, QF = Quarter-finals, SF = Semi-finals, RU = Runner-up.

Personnel

Management
Ownership Georgios Spanos
President & CEO Vasilis Betsis
Vice President & CEO Katia Koxenoglou
General Director Spyridon Sofianos
Technical Director Giannis Angelopoulos
Press Director Christos Galariotis
Marketing Director Spyridon Boulousis
Security Director Georgios Petrou
Computing Director Roberto Panagos
Accountants Director Vasilios Karakatsanis
Ground Manager Panagiotis Michaletos
Tickets Director Roberto Panagos
Legal Department Argirios Livas

Technical staff
Position Staff
Head coach Damir Canadi
Assistant coach Akis Vavalis
Goalkeeper coach Slobodan Šujica
Fitness coach Sotiris Roussis
Fitness coach Stavros Pantelidis
Medical Director Nikolaos Piskopakis
Doctor Andreas Piskopakis
Physiotherapist Panagiotis Abeliotis
Physiotherapist Lefteris Gaitanos
Physiotherapist Nektarios Koufalis
Exercise Physio Georgios Ziogas
Team Manager Nikos Lazaridis
Scout Tolis Apostolou
Caregiver Sarantos Chatzigiannakis

Former managers

European competitions record

Last update: 14 August 2019

Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate
2006–07 UEFA Cup 1R Sevilla 1–2 0–4 1–6
2012–13 UEFA Europa League PO Newcastle United 1–1 0–1 1–2
2013–14 UEFA Europa League PO AZ 1–3 2–0 3–3 (a)
2014–15 UEFA Europa League 3Q FK Sarajevo 1–3 2–1 3–4
2015–16 UEFA Europa League 3Q AIK 1–0 3–1 4–1
PO Fenerbahçe 0–1 0–3 0–4
2018–19 UEFA Europa League 2Q Dynamo Brest 1–1 3–4 4–5
2019–20 UEFA Europa League 2Q DAC Dunajská Streda 3–2 2–1 5–3
3Q Legia Warsaw 0–2 0–0 0–2
Notes[31]
  • 1R: First round
  • 2Q: Second qualifying round
  • 3Q: Third qualifying round
  • PO: Play-off round

Sponsorships
  • Great Shirt Sponsor: betshop.gr
  • Official Sport Clothing Manufacturer: Nike
  • Gold Sponsor: Cosmote
  • Official Sponsor: Athens Medical Group
gollark: Those are fairly C-like with the main difference being better memory management and some level of object orientation.
gollark: What languages are you meaning specifically? There are many not-particularly-C-like ones.
gollark: I think making a less efficient Python program (with intensive mathy things done via numpy etc. which use bindings to C) makes a lot more sense than having a possibly-faster C program which takes several times longer to write, in most cases.
gollark: It's a poor performance decision (although you can just use pypy, which doesn't have that), sure.
gollark: Although all the tooling and CPUs are optimized for the C model, so good luck changing anything ever.

References
  1. "The two Greek Cup finals" (in Greek). atromitosfc.gr.
  2. "Team history". atromitosfc.gr. Archived from the original on 15 August 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  3. "Atromitos' history" (in Greek). sites.google.com.
  4. Mastrogiannopoulos, Alexander (11 June 2010). "1927/28 Panhellenic Championship". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 31 August 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  5. Mastrogiannopoulos, Alexander (11 June 2010). "1928/29 Panhellenic Championship". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 31 August 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  6. Mastrogiannopoulos, Alexander (11 June 2010). "1929/30 Panhellenic Championship". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 31 August 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  7. Mastrogiannopoulos, Alexander (11 June 2010). "1930/31 Panhellenic Championship". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 31 August 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  8. "Atromitos' 1940s" (in Greek). sport-retro.gr.
  9. "Chalkidona's history" (in Greek). debut.gr.
  10. "Merging with Chalkidona" (in Greek). sport-fm.gr. Retrieved 30 May 2005.
  11. "Mutually beneficial football merging" (in Greek). tovima.gr.
  12. "Greek Cup final in 2011" (in Greek). sport-fm.gr. Retrieved 30 April 2011.
  13. ΠΑΟΚ-Ατρόμητος 0-0 (in Greek). sport24.gr. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  14. "Damir Khanati: The Immigrant's son who worked as a caretaker and stormed Armani" (in Greek). sport-retro.gr. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
  15. "It's official: Damir Canadi is the new head coach of Atromitos" (in Greek). sport24.gr. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
  16. "Atromitos won AEK at Athens Olympic Stadium" (in Greek). gazzetta.gr. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  17. "The theme of "A Bola" is the frantic course of Atromitos!" (in Greek). gazzetta.gr. Retrieved 3 November 2017.
  18. "Atromitos, the most ... closed club in Europe" (in Greek). gazzetta.gr.
  19. "Atromitos finished 4th at the 2017–18 season" (in Greek). superleaguegreece.net.
  20. "They continue together, Atromitos-Canadi" (in Greek). naftemporiki.gr. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  21. "Presentation of the Perister Stadium" (in Greek). atromitosfc.gr.
  22. "Atromitos' training center" (in Greek). atromitosfc.gr.
  23. "Mazaraki's facilities" (in Greek). sport-fm.gr.
  24. "Aspropyrgos training center" (in Greek). atromitosfc.gr.
  25. "The jewel of Atromitos in the Aspropyrgos area" (in Greek). atromitosfc.gr.
  26. "Atromitos FC Sports Complex". Archived from the original on 25 July 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
  27. "Fentagin" (in Greek). fentagin.gr.
  28. "Fentagin's special action" (in Greek). gazzetta.gr.
  29. http://www.atromitosfc.gr/el/news-el/news-el/7376-sas-efxaristoyme.html
  30. http://www.atromitosfc.gr/el/news-el/news-el/7377-den-einai-sta-plana-gia-ti-nea-sezon.html
  31. "UEFA Europa League format". agonasport.com.

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