George Georgiou Departs New Salamis

[Rhodes]

What a crying shame that George Georgiou can't still be at New Salamis to see the Club he still loves play in the FA Cup for the first time this coming 2020/21 season, following their FA Vase debut last season, and just over four years after lifting the prestigious FA Sunday Cup at Selhurst Park on 17 April 2016:

 

[Rhodes]

Great video footage of New Salamis lifting the prestigious FA Sunday Cup at Selhurst Park on Sunday 17 April 2016, beating AFC Barnes 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, the first image is of George loading his Sainsbury's carrier bag onto the team bus which pretty much said it all about him in that one moment. The win that day was all thanks to one person, and one person only, who was unceremoniously shown the door of the Club he loves last September by Chairman Michael Michalakis who should hang his head in total shame. I see that Mr Michalakis was more than happy to accept an outstanding achievement award on behalf of the Club at the annual Cyprus Football Association (CFA) gala awards evening in Nicosia the following month covered live on Cypriot tv, I only hope that he thought to mention George in his speech:

http://www.parikiaki.com/2016/05/new-salamis-honoured-in-cyprus/

 

Edited August 10, 2020 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

Do we know whether George Georgiou was at Coles Park on Monday evening to watch 'his side's' proud achievement of reaching the FA Cup First Qualifying Round, did anybody spot him in the crowd or the Director's box where presumably he would have been sitting. I'm just wondering whether the side might have found that little bit extra on Monday under George as was the case on so many occasions when he was in charge, it seems like when they went 2-1 down to Brentwood on 79 minutes there was a sense of resignation that they would lose the tie whereas had George been in the dug out the players would have just looked across for the inspiration to find an equaliser and possibly go on to win on penalties as was the case at Selhurst Park for example in the FA Sunday Cup Final in 2016. 

[Rhodes]

On 23/09/2020 at 09:57, Rhodes said:

Great video footage of New Salamis lifting the prestigious FA Sunday Cup at Selhurst Park on Sunday 17 April 2016, beating AFC Barnes 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, the first image is of George loading his Sainsbury's carrier bag onto the team bus which pretty much said it all about him in that one moment.

An interesting summary from another Forum of the entire 2015/16 FA Sunday Cup competition and New Salamis's difficult route to the Final where they lifted the prestigious trophy at Selhurst Park under George Georgiou's unique stewardship:

F.A. Sunday Cup 2015-16 | NonLeagueMatters Forums

First Round - Bye 

Second Round - 5-3 New Salamis v Falcons (Cambridge) (at Thurrock)

Third Round - 3-6 Victoria Millers (Rushden) v New Salamis (at Wellingborough Whitworth)

 

Fourth Round - 3-2 New Salamis v North London Olympians (at Cheshunt)

 

Quarter Final - St Joseph's (Sunday) Luton v New Salamis (at Arlesey Town) 2-3 AET 

 

Semi Final - O.J.M. (Oliver James Mee) Warley v New Salamis (at Nuneaton Town) 0-3

[Rhodes]

This is a good photograph of the great man isn't it and says everything about him, how New Salamis must be regretting showing him the door in September 2019 and the Club are unsurprisingly already on their third Manager since he sadly departed:

[Rhodes]

On 22/04/2021 at 04:59, Rhodes said:

This is a good photograph of the great man isn't it and says everything about him, how New Salamis must be regretting showing him the door in September 2019 and the Club are unsurprisingly already on their third Manager since he sadly departed:

Another disappearing photograph which is rather disrespectful to the great man. George really did a Harvey Smith to New Salamis didn't he when he joined Southern League FC Romania and got the last laugh following his 'criminal' treatment by Chairman Michael Michalakis who has had to appoint three Managers in the short time since George sadly departed the Club in September 2019:

[Rhodes]

I'm just wondering what George Georgiou thought of New Salamis's tame and unacceptable 3-1 FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round exit at the hands of lowly Combined Counties League Division One outfit Kensington & Ealing Borough who were making their FA Cup debut at Coles Park last week. To make matters even worse, if that's possible, New Salamis took an early lead and at 1-1, shortly after the interval, saw an opposing player receive his marching orders however instead of taking the game by the scruff of the neck, as would have been the case under George's leadership, Danny Bailey's men conceded again and never looked like getting back into the tie. George will have some sympathy with Danny Bailey who is a personal friend but certainly not the Club and Chairman Michael Michalakis in particular who, still for some unknown reason, unceremoniously relieved him of his duties in September 2019 after George had single handedly taken the Club to the promised land.    

Edited August 14, 2021 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

Guess who's birthday it is today folks, 19 August, yes, that's correct and the great man is in good company as he shares it with the likes of former US President Bill Clinton, Queen bassist John Deacon, racing driver Niko Hulkenberg, Australian tennis icon Rod Laver, 60's crooner Billy J Kramer, rock singer Ian Gillan and iconic Cream drummer Ginger Baker who sadly died recently, strangely very few, if any, footballers. On this momentous day, 19 August, in 1960 Sputnik 5 was launched by the USSR carrying two dogs who became the first living 'beings' to survive space, also in 1919, coincidentally, Afghanistan gained independence from the United Kingdom having been under British control previously. Happy Birthday George Georgiou, I wonder whether he received a card from New Salamis Chairman Michael Michalakis.

Edited August 19, 2021 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

Here's a treat for you all, well, other than New Salamis Chairman Michael Michalakis that is, an insight into George Georgiou's new Cub FC Romania and an interview with George who is loving his time at Theobalds Lane with the Step 4 outfit who are riding high in the Southern League Division One Central. It's still so difficult to believe that George was unceremoniously relieved of his duties in September 2019 after he had single handedly taken the Club to the promised land yet the two faced Mr Michalakis was more than happy to take all the credit for the success when accepting an outstanding achievement award on behalf of the Club at a prestigious Cyprus Football Association (CFA) gala awards annual event in Nicosia which was covered live on Cypriot tv:    

 

Edited November 8, 2021 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

It's that momentous day of the year again folks (19 August) where we pay homage and celebrate the birthday of George Georgiou who, as pointed out a year ago, shares it with the likes of former US President Bill Clinton, Queen bassist John Deacon, racing driver Niko Hulkenberg, Australian tennis icon Rod Laver, 60's crooner Billy J Kramer, rock singer Ian Gillan and iconic Cream drummer Ginger Baker as well as Startrek founder Gene Roddenberry, crooner Johnny 'I Can See Clearly Now' Nash, Europe frontman Joey Tempest and Darius Campbell Danesh who very sadly died last week. I wonder whether George received any congratulations this morning from New Salamis who, solely thanks to the great man, now ply their trade at Step 4 level in the Isthmian League North Division, the Club were only formed in 1971, the year before George was born, by London based fans of Cypriot Club Nea Salamis Famagusta FC and played in the KOPA League for many years until George took the reins as Manager, totally transforming them and lifting the prestigious FA Sunday Cup at Selhurst Park on Sunday 17 April 2016. Following three successive KOPA League Championships without breaking sweat the Club were promoted to the Herts Senior County League where they finished runners up to Letchworth Garden City Eagles at the first time of asking as well as lifting the historic Aubrey Cup before being promoted to Step 6 level and the SSML. Inexplicably, George was unceremoniously relieved of his duties just over a month into the new season in Division One of the SSML by 'malign' and 'baleful' Chairman Michael Michalakis who took all the credit for the Club's success having reached 'the promised land'. Happy Birthday George. 

Edited August 19, 2022 by Rhodes

[View from the Boundary]

Cuckoo clubs shouldn't be allowed promotion, a view shared with me by Wembley FC supremo Brian Gumm this week. They are cheating a proper club out of a place in step 4, not having the overheads and being therefore able to splash the cash to attract mercenaries.  

[Rhodes]

On 26/05/2020 at 22:03, Savagebee said:

I didn't know he played for Fulham FC.

I watched Fulham FC play at home a few times that season I used to love watching games from there massive home terrace behind the goal. They were in the old Division 3 that season and lucky if they got more than 3,000 people at a home game.

How times change eh!

Savagebee - George talks about his time with Fulham in this interesting interview with the great man and how Ray Lewington spotted his talent at a young age, it was 'criminal', to put it mildly, how he was treated by New Salamis. Yes, my first match at Craven Cottage was in 1968, it has always been a nice ground to visit, even nowadays:

Edited June 27, 2023 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

Sorry folks but it's that momentous day of the year again tomorrow (19 August) where we pay homage and celebrate the birthday of George Georgiou who, as pointed out previously, shares it with the likes of, wait for it, former US President Bill Clinton, Queen bassist John Deacon, racing driver Niko Hulkenberg, Australian tennis icon Rod Laver, 60's crooner Billy J Kramer, rock singer Ian Gillan, iconic Cream drummer Ginger Baker, Startrek founder Gene Roddenberry, crooner Johnny 'I Can See Clearly Now' Nash, Europe frontman Joey Tempest, Darius Campbell Danesh and American Country music songstress Lee Ann Womack. Again, as stated previously, I wonder whether George will receive any congratulations tomorrow from New Salamis, ahead of their FA Cup Preliminary Round tie at Grays Athletic who, solely thanks to the great man, now play at Step 4 level in the Isthmian League North Division, the Club were only formed in 1971, the year before George was born, by London based fans of Cypriot Club Nea Salamis Famagusta FC and played in the KOPA League for many years until George took the reins as Manager, totally transforming them and lifting the prestigious FA Sunday Cup at Selhurst Park on Sunday 17 April 2016. Following three successive KOPA League Championships without breaking sweat the Club were promoted to the Herts Senior County League where they finished runners up to Letchworth Garden City Eagles at the first time of asking as well as lifting the historic Aubrey Cup before being promoted to Step 6 level and the SSML. Inexplicably, George was unceremoniously relieved of his duties just over a month into the new 2019/20 season in Division One of the SSML by 'malign' and 'baleful' Chairman at the time Michael Michalakis who took all the credit for the Club's success having reached 'the promised land'. A very Happy Birthday George and good luck in your own FA Cup Preliminary Round tie tomorrow for FC Romania at one of your former Club's Colney Heath. 

Edited August 18, 2023 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

I'm just wondering what current FC Romania joint Manager George Georgiou made of the recent news that his former Club New Salamis are to fold at the end of this 2023/24 season unless a saviour can be found. The chickens have very much come home to roost after the absolutely despicable way George was treated by the Club early on in the 2019/20 SSML Division One campaign when he was, inexplicably and unceremoniously, relieved of his duties by then Chairman Michael Michalakis who had taken all the credit for the Club's meteoric success under George: 

Tragic announcement from New Salamis FC | Parikiaki Cyprus and Cypriot News

Very sad news. New Salamis was the most discussed Sunday team on the old forum (back in their Sunday league days). They were victims of their own success and going from a Sunday league team to a Step 4 team in only 3 years with successive promotions from Steps 7-4 meant they grew too quickly. Ironically New Salamis' departure from the (Cypriot) KOPA Sunday League in London precipitated the collapse of that league.
The writing was perhaps on the wall when New Salamis' manager Rich Georgiou (who played for them in their Sunday league days) resigned after guiding them to the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division title and getting them promoted to Step 4. As well as the usual financial challenge that all non-league clubs have, New Salamis had the additional burden of being a community club representing London's Cypriot community. It is very hard to stay at Step 4 while trying to select a team made up mostly of players of Cypriot origin.

[Rhodes]

Not George Georgiou related although George knew Trevor and his brother Danny well. Very sad news to report, former New Salamis player Trevor Bailey RIP:

We sadly announce that Former New Salamis and KOPA League player Trevor Bailey has passed away | Parikiaki Cyprus and Cypriot News

Edited April 12 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

New Salamis's demise was highlighted in the Non League paper recently with George Georgiou getting a mention and suggesting that his departure was the root cause of the Club's problems although that obviously goes without saying, you have to say that the Club only have themselves to blame for unceremoniously showing George the door when they did:

The future of New Salamis FC is in serious doubt amid fears they will cease as a senior Football Club at the end of the season. Formed in 1971 by fans of Cypriot Club New Salamis Famagusta, the  North London Club joined the National League System after winning the FA Sunday Cup in 2016. They then went on to win successive promotions from Step 7 to Step 4 under popular Manager George Georgiou and clinching the Spartan South Midlands League title in 2021/22, Georgiou's departure however led to two seasons of struggle in the Isthmian North with the nomadic Club forced to groundshare at Haringey Borough's Coles Park. While official confirmation has not been announced, the Club could be set to fold and refocus their efforts in providing Community football, pre-dominantly for their British Cypriot jurisdiction. Joint Manager Tommy Boxer said 'financially the Club's not in a great place, there's not much more we can say, we don't know the ins and outs yet. We're still hopeful someone, or a group pf people, may be able to help out, if the Club was to go it would be a disaster'.

Edited April 23 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

There was a letter in the Non League Paper recently as follows regarding New Salamis's demise, and St Panteleimon's for that matter, I guess the writer from Eastbourne makes some good and valid points:

With St Panteleimon and possibly New Salamis leaving senior football this summer - and God knows who knows how many other Club's with no ground of their own - tiny fanbases and Sunday morning type Club names who suddenly realise that they cannot self-sustain in the long term without a ground of their own and without adequate funding. Did these Club's do their homework before applying. Is the Pyramid lacking in adequate checking and advice to Club's that think they can be the next big thing. Why have these Club's been allowed to go so far. Climate change is going to make things harder for lower level Club's and for many only plastic pitches will save them. I think that the rule should be 'no ground of their own or long lease' if not then they should not have been allowed to compete. Also bigger Club's like Truro City should be told 'get your own ground or stop playing at elite level'.

[Savagebee]

 

[Rhodes]

Savagebee - Thanks for that and for raising your head above the parapet again, how are you keeping and do you still get to local games. I wonder how George Georgiou feels about New Salamis's sad demise and I'm surprised he wasn't given the courtesy of a mention in the Club's statement having been so instrumental in their progress and success over many years, as I said the Club only have themselves to blame don't they: