Anorthosis Famagusta FC

Infobox football club
clubname = Anorthosis Famagusta FC


fullname = Anorthosis Famagusta FC
nickname = Μεγάλη Κυρία (La Vecchia Signora) (The Old Lady) [citeweb| url=http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=863663.html?cid=rssfeed&att=|title=Cyprus hails Anorthosis' achievement|publisher=www.fifa.com|date=2008-08-28|accessdate=2008-08-29]
founded = January 30, 1911
ground = G.S.E. and Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium,
Larnaca, Cyprus
capacity = 9,782
chairman = Andreas Panteli
manager = flagicon|Georgia Temuri Ketsbaia
league = Cypriot First Division
season = 2007-08
position = 1^st
current = Anorthosis Famagusta F.C. season 2008-09
pattern_la1=_blueborder|pattern_b1=_vneckonwhite|pattern_ra1=_blueborder
leftarm1=FFFFFF|body1=0000FF|rightarm1=FFFFFF|shorts1=FFFFFF|socks1=FFFFFF
pattern_la2=_white_stripes |pattern_b2=_3stripesonwhite |pattern_ra2=_white_stripes |leftarm2=00AAFF |body2=00AAFF |rightarm2=00AAFF |shorts2=00AAFF |socks2=00AAFF

Anorthosis Famagusta FC (Greek: Ανόρθωση Αμμοχώστου = "Anorthosi Ammochostou") is a Cypriot football and volleyball club which was originally based in Famagusta, but is now based in Larnaca, due to the Turkish invasion. Anorthosis won 13 championship titles, their last in season 2007-2008. They have won the Cypriot Cup 10 times (1949, 1959, 1962, 1964, 1971, 1975, 1998, 2002, 2003, and 2007). Additionally, they have won the Super Cup trophy 6 times. The current president of the team is Andreas Panteli and the current coach is former Georgian International Timur Ketsbaia, who was also a player in the team. On August 27 2008, they became the first and only Cypriot football club to reach the group stages of the Champions League, defeating Olympiacos FC of Greece in the third qualifying round.

History

The club was founded in Famagusta in January 30 1911. After the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Anorthosis became based in Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium in Larnaca. Anorthosis Home Stadium in occupied Famagusta is G.S.E. (Gymnastic Club Evagoras) which has been abandoned and in a bad condition since 1974.

Ammochostos, or better Barosi, around 1910 was a small town of about 4.000 inhabitants, garden workers, fishermen and a very few shop-keepers. The only place of recreation was the coffee shop.It was in those times, that a very few, but chosen in the spirit and enthousiastic men of that small community of Ammochostos, had put an aim and managed to create a club of "reading" in the hospitable rooms where they could gather and educate nationally and in the spirit of Christianity, evrything good they had: the teenagers.

So, in January 1911 they established the "ANORTHOSIS", with temporary board and in March of the same year it takes the form of an organised assosication "Anagnostirion i Anorthosis" (Anorthosis reading Club). The first comitee was consisted of Charalambos Ekonomides, Michalakis Michaelides, George Evangelou, Loizou, Nicolaos Patrakas, Kanaris, Svtiriou, Panayiotis Ioannou, Dimitrios Saveriadis and Gavrielides. The history of Anorthosis can be divided into four periods, during which there have been done important facts, mostly national, athletic, cultural, musical and comminical content and interest.

First Period 1911-1928

From 1911 until 1928, can be characterised as the first period of Anorthosis History. In this first period Anorthosis is mostly an ethnic battlement and a pneumatic "lighthouse" of with blaze not only in Cyprus but also in Greece. Ethnic speeches, national commemoratiums, ethnic gladnesses and sadnessesand everything that aimed to the ethnic chasteness of Ammochostos were organised in the building of ANORTHOSIS. But the sector where Anorthosis had created a tradition, unique in the history of Clubs of which the reputation and activity was spread all over Cyprus, was in the sector of Music.

Under the control of Demetris Demetriades, started with great success the one and only madolinade and band of Anorthosis. The actions taken at that time were many, and we refer to only some of them:

(From Anorthosis Practicles)1913: In a collection that has been done in the building of Anorthosis the extravagant -for that time- amount of 84 pounds was gathered in just one hour, which was given for the needs of the country (which was under British command).1922: Anorthosis establishes a depository for the relief of the refugees from the Asia Minor destruction. For that action Anorthosis gets congratulations from the whole of Hellinism.

econd Period: 1929-1955

The second period in the history of Anorthosis starts with an important changeover in the aims and actions of the club. The "Anorthosis Reading Club" renames to "Musical Philological and Philanthropical Club" and as an emblem of the club is now the mythical bird Phoenix. During this period the mantolinade and band of Anorthosis are better organised and stipendiary teachers are being appointed for the better presentation of the two groups.

In the philological sector the bright tradition of the past continues. Anorthosis creates a first class library with a lending section. We specifically refer to the fact that in 1936 1.500 volumes of books were lended to Anorthosis members. In the second period a great importance is being given to the athletical sector. Under the wise control of the proffesor of Gymnastics Mr. Anastasis Oikonomides are now running football and volleyball teams, sea sports and teams of classical athletism, that gave Anorthosis many first wins, much renown and filled the rooms of the club with many cups and metals.

Anorthosis in association with Gymnastic Club Evagoras (GSE), which is its own child, organised district and pancyprian games and athletes got their first wins, not only in PanCyprian games. Of course, for a small time period, there was almost nothing to show. For example, in 1929 with a letter of POEB of which members are in Anorthosis, sais that is ready to break up and its members to be merged in the football team of Anorthosis. Then, it is decided that a second football team should be funded, and the responsibility is on Mr. An. Oikonomidis and S. Mathaiou. In the 11th of February in 1932 after a command of Ammochostos Commander (we are still under British column) the club of Anorthosis closes for a small time period.

In October the 29th the president, the general secretary and the boufι manager of Anorthosis are arrested by the police because on the balcony of the club's building was hanging the Greek flag.

Third Period: 1955-present

On 26 July 2005 they achieved one of the greatest results in Cypriot football history when they beat the Turkish team Trabzonspor 3-1 in the first leg of their second round Champions League qualifying match. They lost the second leg 1-0 in Turkey, but progressed 3-2 on aggregate. In the third-round qualifying tie against the Scottish team Rangers, Anorthosis lost the first leg 2-1, and the second leg 2-0, so dropped into the first round of the UEFA Cup. They were then defeated 6-1 on aggregate by the Italian team Palermo.

Anorthosis qualifed for the 2007-08 UEFA Cup by way of their Cypriot Cup win. They entered the competition at the First Qualifying round stage. Aggregate victories over Vardar and CFR 1907 Cluj saw them move through to the First Round proper. Anorthosis were drawn against English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. The first leg was played at White Hart Lane on 20th September 2007 which Tottenham Hotspur won 6-1. On October 4th 2007 the second leg resulted in a 1-1 draw when Keane equalised for Tottenham after Fabinho had put Anorthosis ahead.

After winning the domestic league 2007-2008 Anorthosis managed to qualify for the 2008-2009 UEFA Champions League, defeating Armenian Champions FC Pyunik, Austrian Champions Rapid Wien and Greek Champions Olympiacos FC 3-1 on aggregate (3-0 in Cyprus, 0-1 in Greece). in the qualifying rounds.

This allowed the team to qualify for the Group Stage of the Champions League, the first time for a Cypriot team.

The volleyball team won their first trophy in 1972-73, and since that time, the Cypriot Championship was organized by Greek Volleyball Federation, as Champions they gained the right to compete in the Greek National First Division. However, they withdrew from the Championship, when five matches before the end of the competition because of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Since then they have dominated Cypriot Volleyball, having been crowned Champions and Cup winners more times than any other team. They have won the Championship 16 times, the Cup 14 times, and the Super Cup 5 times

tadium

Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium is the home of Anorthosis Famagusta and it was built in 1986 in the city of Larnaca. The ground was given the name of great person who helped Anorthosis in various ways through the years. The initial capacity of the ground was about 6,000 but gradually increased during the years to 13,000. After a major recondition in 1997, capacity reduced to 9,319 (all seated). In 2005 the east stand was named "Quality Stand" after the club's main sponsor. "Quality Stand" is a two story stand which holds the newly-build VIP Boxes (upper story), Press Room, Dressing Rooms, Bar etc. In 2006 the stadium went through another recondition including the build of VIP Boxes in the upper section of west stand, the launching of the automatic ticketing issue and entrance system, the replacing of metal front fence with clear acrylic glass for security reasons and for maximized field view. Also some other facilities are offered in the west stand such as new restrooms, bar, fan's shop etc. The stadium also is approved by UEFA for European games. It has hosted some matches of the Cyprus national football team. In that stadium, Cyprus achieved its greatest success against Spain by a score 3-2. On May 16, 1992, the stadium hosted the 1992 UEFA European Under-16 Football ChampionshipThird position final between Italy and Portugal, where Italy won 1-0.

upporters

Supporters of Anorthosis are known as MAXHTEC (fighters in greek). The idea is that with fight they'll get to the top and return back to their beloved town of Famagusta. Anorthosis' fans are spread all over the island due to the Turkish invasion. There are SI.FI. (supporters associations) all over the island and in other countries as well (Greece,UK etc) . The majority of the fans live in Larnca, as the temporary stadium is based there. Also there is a massive amount of fans in Limassol and Nicosia. MAXHTEC, the ultras, usually get the North tier of stadium. Anorthosis rivals, but not enemies, are APOEL Nicosia, AC Omonia, AEL Limassol, Apollon Limassol and AEK Larnaca. The main enemy of Anorthosis used to be Nea Salamis FC but the rivalry has weathered out since they both are away from their homes in Famagusta. MAXHTEC are considered right-wing, although that's not always the case. They put up Greek Flags but they put up Republic of Cyprus flags as well.

Current squad

Transfers 2008/09

;InFs player|no=|nat=Greece|pos=DF|name=Traianos Dellas|other=from AEK Athens F.C. [citeweb| url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/news/kind=1/newsid=734713.html|title=Greek colossus bound for Anorthosis|publisher=www.uefa.com|date=2008-07-24|accessdate=2008-07-25] Fs player|no=|nat=Brazil|pos=MF|name=Sávio|other=from Desportiva Capixaba [citeweb| url=http://www.sport-fm.gr/article/141599|title=Sávio officially acquired from Anorthosis|publisher=www.sport-fm.gr|date=2008-08-09|accessdate=2008-08-12] Fs player|no=|nat=Iraq|pos=MF|name=Hawar Mulla Mohammed|other=from Al-Khor [citeweb| url=http://www.protathlima.com/content/main/story.jsp?&id=24880|title=Hawar came to become...Sir|publisher=www.protathlima.com|date=2008-08-12|accessdate=2008-08-12]

;Out

Club officials

Board of Directors

*President: Andreas Panteli
*Substitute President: Antonis Demetriou
*Vice President: Savvas Kakos
*Executive Director: Ntinos Toumazis
*Commercial Director: Christos Geranis
*Financial Director: Panikos Panayiotou
*Special Duties Advisor: Evgenios Chamboulas
*Special Duties Advisor: Pantelis Shimitras

Coaching Staff

* Manager: Temuri Ketsbaia flagicon|Georgia
* Assistant Manager: Soso Tchedia flagicon|Georgia
* Goalkeeping Coach: Michalis Pamboris flagicon|Cyprus
* Fitness Coach: Michalis Michael flagicon|Cyprus
* Director of Youth Football: Nicos Panayiotou flagicon|Cyprus

Team Staff

* Team Manager: Ioulios Konnaris flagicon|Cyprus
* Team Nutritionist: Katia Petrakidou flagicon|Cyprus
* Team Housekeeper: Antonis Panayiotou flagicon|Cyprus

Medical Staff

* Club Doctor: Dr Sergios Sergiou flagicon|Cyprus
* Assistant Club Doctor: Dr. Nikos Themistokleous flagicon|Cyprus
* First Team Physiotherapist: Nikos Ioannou flagicon|Cyprus
* Μasseur: Svetoslav Atanasov flagicon|Bulgaria
* Μasseur: Plamen Panov flagicon|Bulgaria

ponsorship

*Official Shirt Sponsor - Quality Group
*Official Sport Clothing Manufacturer - Puma
*Official Athletism Sponsor - MTN
*Official Stadium Sponsor - Quality Group
*Official Communication Sponsor - LTV
*Official Sport Drink - Powerade

Other Sponsors

*Cucina & Cucina Ltd
*ΕΚΑ Ltd
*Fanos N. Epiphaniou
*Ford
*Pokka
*Jermino Electrical Appliances
*Domus Island
*P. David Sanitary Ware
*Christakis Elia & Sons Ltd
*Kypros & Geranis Ltd
*KPMG
*FYSAIR LTD
*Haier
*Hassapis Land Developers
*CYFAST
*SAPO
*LG

*Marfin Laiki
*Aldecor Exclusive
*Evangelou Tecnical Systems
*Cycom Business Solutions Ltd
*Christos Nikola & Sons Ltd
*EF.CHRI.SO Ltd
*Karpasia Coop
*Kyriakos Antoniou Limniotis Ltd
*Matthaiou Bros
*Pampos Charalampous Alousystem
*Photiou Contractors & Developers
*Women's Co-operative Bank of Cyprus Ltd
*Xenis Toumazou & Sons Ltd
*HILCOM Ltd
*Floralink Suppliers LTD
*PrimeTel

Notable Former Managers

*flagicon|Greece Ioannis Matzourakis
*flagicon|Cyprus Andreas Michaelides
*flagicon|Cyprus Andreas Mouskallis
*flagicon|Bosnia and Herzegovina Mirsad Fazlagić
*flagicon|Bulgaria Georgi Vasilev
*flagicon|Romania Anghel Iordănescu
*flagicon|Serbia Dusan Mitošević
*flagicon|Greece Lakis Petropoulos
*flagicon|Greece Nicos Karoulias
*flagicon|SCO Peter Cormack
*flagicon|HUN Gyula Zsengellér

Notable Former Players

hirt sponsors and manufacturers

References

External links

* [http://www.aelarena.com/ Tv AEL Arena
* [http://www.goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=837568 (article on Anorthosis FC history and progression) ]
* [http://www.anorthosisfc.com/ Anorthosis Famagusta FC Official Website (In ENGLISH and GREEK)]
* [http://www.anorthosisvolley.com www.anorthosisvolley.com (The official site of Anorthosis Famagusta Volleyball)]
* [http://www.maxhtec.net/ West Terrace Service Crew - MAXHTEC.NET - Anorthosis Supporters Website ]
* [http://www.af-fc.com/ Anorthosis Famagusta The best football Team in Cyprus.]
* [http://www.anorthosis.net/ ANORTHOSIS.NET - The Blue news portal and Fan's Forum ]
* [http://www.anorthosis.co.uk/ The Blue news portal in ENGLISH ]