Ferrera steps down at Panthrakikos, joins Panionios

By: Peter Katsiris | April 25th, 2009

Panthrakikos announced the end of their cooperation with manager Emilio Ferrera earlier this week and shortly after his dismissal, the Belgian bench boss was made Panionios’ manager for the upcoming season.

Panthrakikos revealed their decision was a result of Ferrera’s request to resign due to personal reasons regarding family, but the Belgian’s decision to sign on at Super League rivals Panionios is sure to leave a bitter taste.

“He expressed his wish to leave for familial reasons, and we accepted his demand. This will be confirmed at the end of the season, when we stage a press conference,” major shareholder Thodoris Savvakis told the Greek press.

Meanwhile, Panionios also made an announcement regarding Ferrera. Currently the Athenian club were under the lead of interim manager Panagiotis Stamatopoulos, but the Greek caretaker will step down when the Belgian arrives ahead of next season.

An announcement on the club’s official website confirmed the move, and revealed plans for a future press conference.

“Emilio Ferrera has signed a three-year contract and will be officially presented to the media on Monday, May 4,” read the statement on the club’s official website.

The move to sign Ferrera comes as a bit of a surprise after the Nea Smyrni based side was previously linked with reputable Greece U-21 bench boss Nikos Nioplias and former Anorthosis Famagusta tactician Temuri Ketsbaia.

Ferrera’s capture ends a near season-long search for Panionios, after Ewald Lienen’s departure saw Takis Lemonis stay on for just over a week before the club turned to Stamatopoulos.