Takis Gonias

Gonias began his career at local club Panathinaikos Kyriaki (not to be confused with Athens-based club Panathinaikos F.C.) at Kyriaki, Boeotia. He then moved to the region's most prestigious club Levadiakos, making his debut in the Alpha Ethnki, the top-level football league in Greece. He then went on to play for various top-level Greek clubs, including Olympiacos, Panionios and most successfully, Iraklis. After his good appearances with Iraklis, Gonias was transferred in 1998 to Sporting de Gijón in the Spanish Segunda Division. In 2004, he transferred to Italy and Serie A side Messina, where he played the last season of his career, despite making a transfer to Crotone in 2005.

Gonias made two appearances and scored one goal for Greece. He made his debut on 19 August 1997, managing to score with a penalty kick during a 2–1 victory over Cyprus. He received his second and final cap six months later, coming in as a second-half substitute for Kostas Frantzeskos during another international friendly game.

Retirement and early career as manager

After his retirement, Gonias worked as a football commentator for Greek television, while also professionally taking up golf in Glyfada, Athens. However, he decided to return to professional football as a manager, starting his coaching career in 2013 at Glyfada and afterwards taking over management of Football League side Episkopi. In July 2016, Gonias was appointed manager of fellow 2nd tier club Kallithea, leading them for 8 games with a 2−0−6 record. A proposed move to Gamma Ethniki side Volos in June 2017 fell through, and in August 2017 he was appointed head coach of Cretan Ergotelis, newly back in the Football League.

Ergotelis

Gonias' unique approach to the game was met with suspicion from Greek media at first, even more so as the Cretans struggled to earn points on the table and became relegation contenders at an early stage during the tournament. Despite criticism from local media, as well as a portion of the club's fans, who often demanded Gonias be sacked from his post, Ergotelis' board placed their full trust in their head coach's work. After an experimental first round, Ergotelis' squad significantly improved and maintained an impressive good form, winning several key matches, scoring many goals, maintaining ball possession rates close to 60%-70% and eventually battling their way out of the relegation zone.

Wadi Degla

Earning credit for Ergotelis' impressive improvement and acclaimed…