13/10/2026
After 10 brilliant years of service coaching the Senior Men’s team, including a remarkable run of four straight promotions that saw the club rise from the lower State Leagues towards the Victorian Premier League, Manny Koutroulis has decided to step down from the coaching role and continue focusing on overarching Director of Football role.
Manny started his senior coaching role with a club languishing in the lower levels of the State Leagues. He has gone on to become the state’s longest-serving coach and in the process became the most successful coach we have ever had at BEFC.​
An incredible record includes the amazing tally of 105 wins, 39 draws and 43 losses from 187 games.
Throughout his journey as Coach, Manny not only achieved great results on the park but also became a mentor who has overseen many 100-game-plus careers. He has mentored many players who have gone on, thanks to his leadership and direction, to take on important senior roles.
The likes of Luka Vah (NPLW Coach of the Year 2026), Dilan Lomas (2026 Assistant Coach and newly appointed VPL Coach at Eastern Lions), Steve Wong (2025 Assitatn Coach and now Old Ivanhoe Promotion Winning Coach) and Sean Vah (Western Unityed A-League Academy and Melbourne Knights) are all shining examples of careers launched on the back of mentoring and learnings from Manny Koutroulis.
The Eagles community have enjoyed following the journey above and have absolutely loved getting to know Manny and the team throughout an incredible chapter in the club’s history.
He is very excited to stay on at BEFC in his role as Director of Football, helping support many youth players and a new generation of incoming coaches who will no doubt benefit from the Eagle's experience.
The role will also provide an opportunity for the club to tap further into Manny’s extensive network, creating some exciting pathways and experiences in the years to come, including opportunities abroad.
Congratulations, Manny, on an incredible tenure with the Senior Men!
