All-star gets big move
Like so many modern Aussie soccer players, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos’ rise to the top has not been a conventional one.
The North Adelaide native got his start with local side Adelaide Comets. He then joined the Adelaide United academy setup when he was 17 years old. Stamatelopoulos made his debut for the Reds in 2017, but never became an established player for Adelaide United.
Stamatelopoulos spent the next few years as a bit of a fringe A-League player. He played just 24 matches in three seasons for Western United and Newcastle Jets. Then tried his luck in Greece with lower division sides Rodos and PAS Giannina.
His big break finally came last season. Stamatelopoulos returned to Newcastle Jets last summer on a free transfer. He became a key player for the Jets almost instantly.
Stamatelopoulos scored 17 goals in 25 league matches for the Jets last season. He earned a spot on the A-League all-star roster in May. He made his Socceroos debut against Palestine in June.
For his efforts, Stamatelopoulos has earned a move to a bigger league. Motherwell purchased him from Newcastle Jets for an undisclosed fee. Stamatelopoulos had one year left on his contract with the Jets.
Motherwell looking for goals
Had Stamatelopoulos stayed at Newcastle Jets, he would have likely led the A-League Golden Boot sports betting odds charts. Instead, he will be scoring goals in Scotland. That’s the plan at least.
“We’ve been looking to bring someone in who is a goalscorer,” Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell said in a club statement.
“Apostolos has qualities that we’re looking to add to the squad. Last season, he performed exceptionally. In the team of the season, the All Stars game and earning his first international cap is all things he got because of his performances.
“It’s a good bit of business for the club,” Kettlewell added.
“I’m here to score goals”
Manager Stuart Kettlewell set big expectations for Stamatelopoulos heading into next season. The player, though, seems more than up for the challenge.
Speaking to the club after signing, Stamatelopoulos revealed that he was happy to finally be a Motherwell player and that he can’t wait to start scoring goals.
“It’s great to finally say I’m a Motherwell player,” he said, “I was at the game on Sunday and got a real feel for the place. Seeing all the fans together and the boys playing, I just wanted to get out there.
“It’s been a long journey to get here but I can now focus on making an impact. I’m here to score goals, that’s my job. I will do my best to fulfil that.
“The boys have been brilliant and it’s been great meeting all the staff. I can’t wait to see what’s in store ahead.”
Motherwell’s first match is this Saturday at home against Ross County. It’s unlikely Stamatelopoulos will be ready to play in that match. However, if he keeps up his form from Australia, Stamatelopoulos will be a contributor for Motherwell sooner rather than later.
