All-new Atromitos take flight

Halkidona influence
The new entity will play at Atromitos's 10,000-capacity ground in the Athens suburb of Peristeri, which will undergo a major facelift in the summer months. However, the coach will be Halkidona's Georgios Parashos, who recently signed a contract extension with that club, and the current Halkidona squad will form the basis of the new team's roster.

Mixed fortunes
Halkidona president Georgios Spanos was the force behind the merger. Although his side finished eighth in the top division, Halkidona were the second team behind Ionikos FC in the Nikea district. By contrast, historic Atromitos who were founded in 1923 have a decent fan base, despite the financial problems that prevented them satisfying the Hellenic Football Federation's licensing requirements for the season just ended. Subsequently handicapped by a points' deduction, they finished second from bottom of the second division.

'Team to make you proud'
Spanos, whose Halkidona were themselves established in 1930, defended the decision. "I do not feel guilty, I did what I felt I was obliged to do," he said. "I am not promising titles but you can be sure that Atromitos will be a team to make you proud. They will play an important part in the football world."