FIRST TEAM || Former Greek Super League player Panagiotis Manidakis signs for the Saints

Eastern United FC is delighted to announce the signing of former OFI Crete and Adelaide Olympic Panagiotis Manidakis ahead of the 2023 season.

Panagiotis Manidakis, 27, was born in 1995 in Athens, Greece.
Manidakis is set to join the Saints ahead of the 2023 season after 3 season with Adelaide Olympic in NPL SA. 
He started playing club football at the age of 8 for Atrmoitos FC, he spent a few years at the club before  getting scouted by professional Italian club Brescia Calcio where he joined the primavera team at the age of 16.

In 2014, at the age of 16 he moved to OFI Crete, a year later he made his First Team debut during the Kypello Elladas (Greek domestic cup) in a 4-0 win against Panthrakikos.

The year 2015, was a year to remember for Manidakis who had the privilege to be coached by World Cup winner and former AC Milan legend Gennaro Gattuso, who used Manidakis as a substitute in 6 different occasions in the Greek Super League.

Manidakis during his time as a professional, he played against teams of the caliber of Olympiacos, PAOK Salonika and was on the bench in multiple times against other important Greek clubs.


Photo courtesy of Adam Butler

At the end of the 2015 season, he joined PAO Krousona and later on he had spells at Asteras Varis, Proodeftiki, Tsiklitiras and AEEK Synka before joining NPL SA club Adelaide Olympic.

In 2020, Manidakis joined Adelaide Olympics, on his time at the club he won a FSA Federation Cup and played in 2 different occasion in the Australia Cup.
Manidakis made over 65 appearances for the club and was predominantly played as a left-back.


Photo courtesy of Adam Butler

Panagiotis Manidakis, had this to say:
"After a few seasons with Adelaide Olympic, I felt the need for a change and new challenges. There were a few clubs interested on me but knowing a few faces here it made my decision easier in the end for me and my young family. " 

He then added:
"For people that know me, they know how important winning is and I want to contribute into making this team successful."


Photo courtesy of Adam Butler

Manager Gabriel Markaj had this to say about our new signing:
"We are delighted to have Pano on board, there is no doubts about his qualities as a footballer and I am sure he will integrate in the group nicely. He will fit our game model as he is a technical player and most importantly he is sharp and that's something that we like to see in our players. With him on board and a few other signings I think we can push for a top 6 finish."