4/20/2000

* Ionikos-Kalamata: 4-2. What a way to lose! The good appearances for the Greek Cup have ended with a big loss. We all knew it deep inside. After the unfair 0-2 of the first round things became difficult for the Black Storm. In plain English, the odds were not good. The last 2 goals for Ionikos came at the 91st and 92nd minute, when the game was already lost for Kalamata. I need to mention that the referee "invented" a penalty against Kalamata (which our goalkeeper blocked) and gave our defender a red card. That's unacceptable, in a game that was considered an easy one. Somebody doesn't like to see Kalamata moving up, and the very same individual wants to have a weak Kalamata playing against Olympiakos. As far as the Greek Cup is concerned, maybe next year...

* There isn't a need for despair and sadness. We did our best, and we have to remember that never before in our history Kalamata has reached so far. The whole picture isn't bad, except for Ionikos should not be the team to win against us. We are a better team and if it wasn't for bad referees I am sure it would have been Kalamata the team to play against AEK in the final.

* Injuries and cards have become a major problem for our team. The next game will be against Olympiakos (Gavroi) and our team will be deprived of most of our good players. Yes, I know, some of you might think: "What are the chances of winning against the top team?" Top team my ass... Olympiakos doesn't even deserve to be in the middle, let alone on the top of A' Division. They are nothing... they are lucky, and they have Sokratis Kokallis' money to ensure the top position. Anyone dares to say otherwise? If Kalamata had its best players available for the game, then Olympiakos could kiss my ass. They are nothing but zeros, although I am afraid these zeros will be able to leave Kalamata with the three points and us would be left behind, remenising the good old days of that historic 3-0 against Olympiakos.

* I haven't mentioned anything about the fans, to whom this page is dedicated to. I have lots of memories, but since I left Kalamata (July, 1985) those memories don't do me much good. It is hard for me to accept that Black Devils are just a memory. I still see some of those guys when I visit Greece, but my dream is to see them all (or at least most of them) together, one more time, in the stands, where we once belonged (and still do). I want to see this happening during my next visit to Kalamata, but I still need to get off my ass and try to bring them together. That's a tough job, considering that I am thousands of miles away. I can still hope though.

4/17/2000

* Apollon-Kalamata: 1-2. Another victory for Kalamata, this time away from home. Am I happy? Yes, I am. Kalamata is a team that either takes you to heaven, or sends you to hell, and I've taken those trips more than once, for as long as I can remember following the team. Apollon managed to lead the score (1-0) for a while, "thanks" to an own goal. That's right, we scored three times, one against ourselves and two against Apollon (Iehovades).

* I am not going to let my expectations reach too high because the next two games against Ionikos (for the Greek Cup) and Olympiakos (for the championship) are going to be a trip to hell until the last second. We need victories in both games, even though a simple victory against Ionikos isn't enough for the Black Storm to go to the final game. However, any victory is good against Olympiakos (Gavroi). That team is nothing but a cancer in the body of Greek soccer. We have to treat them as enemies and not fear them... Watch out for the overtime, they tend to score after the 90th minute and we can't afford this. Death or Victory are the only two outcomes.

* A final word for today. Paniliakos doesn't seem to do very well. I always had a feeling that every year they "sell" games to the highest bidders, as long as their position is secure. This year the rules have changed a bit... The relegation games will determine who stays and who doesn't, for one of the four teams above the last three. Kalamata's position is still below the safe zone, but our neighbors at Pyrgos are about to face some tough times as well. No, I am not happy for them. I think that they had a very good team, but their strategy of selling out never appealed to me. When we needed points, Paniliakos "sold" themselves to the other teams who were trying to save their asses, a couple of years ago. The result was for Kalamata to move down to the B' Division, and that was not fun. We seem to be pretty strong, but this is not enough if we really want to remain an A' Division team. We also need lots of luck, and our fans on the side of the team.

4/13/2000

* Finally, a great victory!!! After the last three games Kalamata returned to victories. This time against a great opponent (Paniliakos) that has given us a few problems in the past. The score (2-1) may sound poor, but Kalamata had numerous opportunities to score more goals. The best part was the quality of the game, and the fact that Kalamata was the hands-down best team on the field. Winning is good, but playing good and winning is an unbeatable combination.

* I know what some of you might think... "Ernest, you have been very negative about the team for the last few weeks." Well, I think I had legitimate reasons, and the negative results proved it. The defeat from Ionikos is still hard to digest. The chances of making it to the final are minimal, but I would like to believe in miracles. No more negativity until the next game... I promise.

* There were lots of mixed feelings about the 2 British fans that got killed in Istanbul. While I do not disapprove of violence in the name of the team, it really makes me sick when some cowards use knives and sh*t like that, to kill people. Violence in the stands (or outside the field) is supposed to be limited to bear hands, and sometimes rocks (when there is a distance between the fans). That is the "conventional war" for Hooligans. I am not blaming the Turkish fans because I know how much the British fans provoke, but then again I do not have all the facts to be able to draw some kind of conclusion. On the other hand, I would not like to be a Turkish fan during the second game in Britain. If any Turks get spotted they will be assasinated right there, and no one can blame the British for that. At least this time. I truly feel sorry for the 2 Brits that died for the honor of their team. They'll certainly be remembered for a long time.

4/10/2000

* The phenomenon that hit Kalamata right in the forehead, once more, is called "arrogance". When a team succeeds in winning against O.F.I. with the score 3-0, moves to the semi-finals, and then loses in its own field 0-2 by a team that has absolutely nothing special to show for, then we all need to worry. We believed that Papadopoulos was a cancer in the body of the team (I agree for the most part) and he had to be removed. The coach resigned, for reasons unknown to me (well, I heard some), even though it is generally accepted that he did a fairly good job. After some impressive victories the ground under the team's feet started to shake a bit. And I ask: Why? What went wrong in the last few games? Is this going to continue? There is no time for this sh*t, let's wake up and play some f*cking soccer. Enough of this arrogance, the fans want results, and they want them NOW!!!

* For those who missed the "fun", Kalamata lost this past Wednesday, in the first round of the semi-finals, for the Greek Cup, against Ionikos. While there is a second game, and hopefully Kalamata will fight hard, the chances of making it to the final are not good. We have to win 3-0, 4-1, etc., or even 2-0 and play over-time... I won't hold my breath, though. We had a great opportunity for something more than just surviving the relegation games (another painful experience for the Black Storm) but we threw everything away.

* Ionikos can celebrate this victory, but they should keep a low profile. The referee refused us a penalty while the score was 0-0. Do you honestly believe that Ionikos would have won this game if that penalty was called (provided we didn's miss)? I don't think so. I also heard something about the first goal being off-side, but I won't dwell on that. Kalamata had no excuses, whatsoever, for losing this game, but Ionikos did not deserve this victory. We can always hope for a miracle.

4/3/2000

* Did we say rough landing about last week's game? Well, we have to uprade to crashing for the last game against Panionios ("mounakia"). For those who care, the final score was 2-0, and Kalamata's series of successful appearances ended for good. Our position called for a successful result, even if it was a tie. Obviously our players left their good side back in Kalamata. Any positive result would have helped us a lot, but our players had not realized it.

* Some of you might say: "Ernest, you are misjudging the team" or "... you are too harsh." The answer is simple. Had Kalamata won against Iraklis, and had received at least one point against Panionios, the whole relegation crap would have looked far more distant. Who are we going to win against? Even Paniliakos will manage to collect at least one point in Kalamata. Olympiakos ("gavroi") will certainly win. Consider the games against Apollon and Kavala total disasters, and you'll get the picture. Winning 3-4 games in a row isn't enough when you struggle for "salvation". Am I too strict on the team?

3/30/2000

* After last weekend's rough landing (Kalamata-"Gries": 2-2) I am back to normal. This weekend we are visiting "Ta Mounakia" (Panionios). Nothing against them, but we'd better f*ck them really good. In the first round we lost 1-3, therefore it is our turn to win... At least, that is the way I see it. We need the victory because there is still a chance to move out of the danger zone of relegation games. Panionios is a tough opponent, but we have more reasons than they do to win. I am holding my breath until Sunday.

* I wasn't much into my usual "recollective" mood. However, I found a chance to go through some old pictures of friends who were members of Black Devils. To my best knowledge, none of them watches the team playing, any more. Not that they don't love the team, but they got fed up a few years ago with both the management and the nerve wrecking way Kalamata was playing. Can't blame them for the disappointment, but the team needs their support.

* It is doubtful that any of the old Black Devils is reading these lines, but I still hope that some day I will be able to gather some of them for a reunion. I am planning a trip to Kalamata this coming Fall, so it will be an opportunity for me to at least try. Should they resist, I will beg, if I have to. For old times sake, we need to remind ourselves of those days when nothing other than the team mattered. Quite frankly, I know that they still care.

* Hagan decided to continue with Iraklis... Oh well, I did not think that Kalamata would have tried to approach him, anyway. I don't think that we lack good players, but the psychology of the team may be the major factor in the last successful appearances. I heard many people praising Amorim for the outstanding job he did. I have no idea what was the truth behind his decision to leave (normally we kick the coaches out before they even open their eyes), but I am sure he had many legitimate reasons. It's not that I have no faith in the Greek coaches, but Amorim knew the team better than anyone else. I hope that the improvement Kalamata has shown in the last 5 games is not a bubble that will burst.

3/27/2000

* What I was afraid of became real. I am referring to the latest game between Kalamata and Iraklis. Damn "gries" managed to collect 1 point from this game. So did we, of course, since the final score was 2-2. Is it a disaster? Not really, but a victory would have given us wings to stay above the danger zone. If we can't win against Iraklis, who are we going to win against, Olympiakos?

* In the case of Olympiakos I can predict the outcome. Olympiakos will be "offered" a [controversial] penalty and an off-side goal close to the end of the first half. Then they might even score once... a regular goal, I mean. I hope no one doubts that Olympiakos is where they are because of Socratis Kokallis' connections and bribes, and not because they are good. Remember the fisrt half during the first round? That is precisely how they are going to score in Kalamata. I really want to see that 3-0 against them (a few years ago) repeated, but I doubt we'll see it happening soon, if ever.

3/24/2000

* I heard that Hagan wasn't happy with the offer that Iraklis("gries") made him. I personally believe that Hagan is a good player and we should make him an offer. Those who watch his games can judge better than me. Living in the US has blinded my "vision". Don't get me wrong, I love it here, but I miss the team. The last few years I was disappointed, mainly because of the way Papadopoulos handled things. Thank God(s) for the local team here in Raleigh.

* Speaking of Raleigh, in the above picture is the local team I support. The colors are pretty much the same, except for a little red. The uniforms they wear are black & white, though, and that makes it much easier for me because I always wear Kalamata's scarf. If I can convince them to rename "Raleigh Capital Express" to "Black Storm" things will be much better. The current name doesn't sound very good.

3/22/2000

* Does anyone know where/when the above [color] photo was taken? Well, it is the game between Kalithea and Kalamata, in Athens. They tried their best to screw up Kalamata but they got f*cked instead. I don't see them coming to the A' Division for a long time, if ever. I dedicate this photo to those who do not wish to forget... ever.

* I always liked the phrase "God forgives, Black Storm never does" I remember the huge banner with this phrase in the game against Panargiakos ('84-'85).

* By the way, if you have some memories to share feel free to drop me off a few lines. You can use bad language and share your hatred against our enemies (e.g. Aigaleo). Somewhere close to the end of this page you can find a link to my email address. If you hate Kalamata please don't bother sending me hate-mails, 'cause I don't give a damn.

3/21/2000

* Do you guys feel as good as I do about Kalamata's fourth straight victory? I certainly feel excited! However, I am also worried. A few months ago we had 3 straight victories, but we managed to lose the game with Trikala, in Kalamata. I try not to think negative, but I hope that our team has realized the importance of the upcoming game against Iraklis ("gries"). Hey, I got nothing against Iraklis, but they have been extremely lucky (kolofardoi) in most of our in-between games. This time we have to remember that the game does not end on the 90th minute.

* I remember how happy I was when Gaitanaros and Papadopoulos decided to lead Kalamata from the C' to the B' Division. I guess everyone was very excited, and finally believed in "the dream". Oh, well... Black Devils had lots of dreams, long before Papadopoulos took over. As far as Gaitanaros is concerned, he had proven his love for the team many years ago, back in the '70's when the team was in the A' and B' Division. Gaitanaros did his best, but most people around him didn't have visions, or dreams. Papadopoulos, on the other hand, is a businessman, and like so he acted. I have no doubt he wanted the best for the team, but he didn't know how to make things happen. If he was careful and had decided to "clean up" the mess within the management group, he would have made big money, and the team would have been in a much better position. Instead, he brought great players and sold them quickly, without having good substitutes at hand. Then he "kicked out" great players who would have been able to contribute to the team (e.g. Dedes). Those actions made no sense, not even business sense.

3/20/2000

* All right now, I think that the team is moving on. Papadopoulos has been gone and the new management has brought stability and hope. Personally, I do not know the "new guys", but they'd better do well.

* Kalamata has won the last four games, against Panahaiki, Ethnikos Asteras, and Proodeftiki, for the championship, as well as the game against O.F.I., for the cup. I can't describe my happiness, but I am also afraid that the whole thing might get way over our heads. This coming weekend Kalamata has to prove they are worth their salt by winning big against Iraklis ("gries"). No outcome other than victory will be acceptable... Unless we want to take chances at the end of the year, against other teams that will fight hard to remain in the A' Division.

* Remember a team called Aigaleo? They seem to be coming back to the A' Division. Several years ago we played a few games together (for the 3rd Division), but due to some "pousties" - remember Victor Mitropoulos - they managed to move up to the 2nd while we stayed in the 3rd. Seems like they are getting ready to make another upward move, this time to the major league. I don't know how they got this far, but I don't care... Next year (provided we remain in the A' Division) we are going to teach them, and their "kotes" fans, what punishment means. Let's say we owe this to some of our fans who were injured, even though Aigaliotes suffered more injuries.

* I hope that Kalamata ("Black Storm") fans are going to fill the stands, once more. This coming Sunday their mission is critical. I remember those days when S.F.O.K. (Kalamata's Fan Club) and "Black Devils" (the hardcore group of fans I belonged to)... We never betrayed the team, even though we had lots of ups and downs.

* Hey you, "older" fans, does anyone remember the game against Panargiakos (1-0) back in 1984-1985? It was raining for hours, and hours, but as the "Black Devils" were gathering for the scheduled "poreia" to the stadium, all the clouds were gone... I mean, sunshine. The gathering wasn't as big as we expected, just about 70-80 of us, at best. Once we got on the stands (2 hours before the game), we saw people coming in huge numbers. When the team made its appearance, at the north gate, heading towards the locker rooms, we all got very excited. About 10-15 flares were thrown into the field and the whole area was covered with smoke. But when the team got back on the field the atmosphere got really warmed up. About 70 flares were lit and thrown into the field, covering the entire stadium with a thick white/gray cloud. Toilet paper rolls, millions of multi-colored little pieces of paper (I don't know how many telephone books were "sliced"), flares, screams, and miriads of songs welcomed Kalamata's players. There were about 2500 fans singing at the same time (1500 of us at Gate 5, and the rest right across, at the north gate). I could see "Kolokotronis" with his "Black Storm" hat walking around, making people stand up and sing throughout the game. I remember Tommy Shinas, Vasilis Mavrikis, Giorgos Dimitroulias, Mitsaras, Thanasis, and many other close friends crying at the end of the game. When it was over all 11000 fans present, were singing for the great victory. For the standards of D' Division - amateur league - the total of 11000 spectators present, was something that no other team in that division has ever done, or ever will.

* Speaking of good friends, I still recall all my good buddies at "Black Devils". We were like one entity. My good friends Tasos, Ilias "Ozzy", Andreas "Zhusten", Vasilis "Lynyrd Skynard", Thanasis, Vasilis "Haros", George "Oi Frikoules me ta ravdia", George "No 2", and so many others, less close to me, but very important individuals indeed, like Mitsos, Tommy "Koudas", Routzounis, Periklis "Heomen omadikos", George "Pantzos", and Themis. I still remember our first meeting when we created SFOK and planned the seeds for the "Black Devils - Gate 5" group. Wherever you guys are, I want you to know that I haven't forgotten all these great moments we lived together. We never hesitated risking our lives for the team, and that made us stronger than the others... Foolish, but stronger.

* Did I mention "Rats"? For some reasons (still unknown to me, to this day) some people had an idea to change "Black Devils" to the short-lived "Rats". Very pathetic. My buddies joined them, but I never liked that name. Why "Rats"? Rats hide... we never did.

* Back to the game against Panargiakos. To be fair, the referee was on our side. Not that we were not better, but I would have prefered a victory that involved no controversial penalties. I think he got scared of the crowd, or the possibility of not calling a penalty, if it was to happen. Panargiakos played very well, but we were, overall, better.

Enough for now. I will return with more memories to share.