Santos returns to AEK
Friday, July 16, 2004
Article summary
Portuguese coach Fernando Santos has accepted the offer of a second spell in charge at AEK Athens FC.
Article body
Four-year contract
Santos agreed to take the reins after discussions with the AEK owner Demis Nikolaidis and is reported to have signed a four-year contract, although no other details of the deal have been disclosed.
Cup winner
The Portuguese coach was previously in charge of AEK during the 2001/02 season, when he led them to victory in the Greek Cup and a second-placed finish in the league. Santos left Sporting Clube de Portugal in June after just a season in charge of the Lisbon club, who finished third in the Portuguese Superleague last season.
Tziortziopoulos signs
AEK have also announced the signing of the 26-year-old left-back Stavros Tziortziopoulos, a former Greek Under-21 international, on a free transfer from Panionios GS while a defender already at the club, Nikos Georgeas, has extended his contract for four more years.
Fight for future
AEK are deep in debt - the most commonly reported figure is €150m - and Nikolaidis, who has retired from playing to focus on his new role as club owner, is still fighting to secure their future for the coming season and beyond.
