Jim Patikas - Montage

Jim Patikas was signed by Tommy Docherty at Sydney Olympic in 1983. In his first season at Olympic, he won the NSL Cup and held the record for most Young Socceroos international appearances after playing in his second FIFA World Youth Cup in Mexico. Against European Youth Champions Scotland, Patikas scored a goal with 3 minutes remaining to give the Young Socceroos a 2-1 victory elevating them to the top of Group A.In the final round, a 2-1 defeat to Korea Republic saw the Young Socceroos exit the tournament with only one defeat. However, the performances of Patikas attracted the attention of many international scouts. One including newly appointed Barcelona F.C. coach Cesar Luis Menotti. According to media reports, Patikas was offered a contract by Menotti, but injury forced him to return to Australia.

Renowned for his exceptional speed and for being the first established Australian player to be signed by a professional European football club, he was capped 27 times for the Socceroos and played as a forward and midfielder for Sydney City, Sydney Olympic, Sydney Croatia, AEK Athens, Athinaikos and Kastoria.