Stefanos Gaitanos


Stefanos Gaitanos is a Greek former professional football player who played for the Superleague clubs Veria and Apollon Athens. He was born in Veria. Stefanos Gaitanos is also considered as a legend of Veria club and is currently the manager of Pontioi Veria F.C.

Career

Gaitanos joined Veria in 1960. He left Veria later to join Apollon Athens as he wanted to be closer to his Law school. He retired from football in 1978 in order to finish his studies.

"Stratigos" (General)

Gaitanos was nicknamed as "Stratigos". That nickname was given to him by Veria's fans as well as by the newspapers. Stratigos was given to him as he was Veria's main playmaker and his football style was familiar to Mimis Domazos who was already nicknamed as "Stratigos".

Manager career

Stefanos graduated from law school and also became a coach. His first team to manage was Doxa Makrochori, Alexandros Alexandris, Pantelis Kafes, Nikos Dabizas, Andreas Niniadis, Dimitrios Geladaris and Elias Atmatsidis.

Personal life

After retiring from football in 1978, Stefanos got his Law school degree. He is married and also has a daughter, Katerina, who's a football coach at "Stefanos Gaitanos Football Academy", she also worked for Veria as coach for the youth squads.