Football Federation Australia is saddened to hear that Emmanuel (Manny) Poulakakis passed away on the 25th January after a short period of illness.
Born in Egypt in 1923, Manny had a prolific playing career as a goalkeeper in Egypt before arriving in Australia in 1960 to take up coaching, as one of the few coaches to hold an English FA coaching badge at the time.
Manny was a very successful coach throughout the 1960’s through to the beginnings of the former National Soccer League in 1977 with clubs such as South Melbourne, Heidelberg, George Cross, Juventus, Melbourne Hakoah, and Pan Hellenic (NSW) winning various State & National Titles along the way. During his tenures he also coached numerous Socceroos including Jim Mackay, Peter Ollerton & Jack Reilly.
During the late 1960’s, Manny was also offered the Socceroos coaching position which he declined for personal reasons.
Manny was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame (Roll of Honour – Meritorious) in 2000, was named the South Melbourne FC Coach of the Century and was also inducted into the South Melbourne FC Hall of Fame at their recent 50th Anniversary Gala Ball.
Manny is survived by his son John and grand children Michael and Jacqueline.
Manny’s funeral will be held on Monday 1 February at 12.30pm at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Andrew – 201 Mahoney’s Rd, Forest Hill, Victoria.
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