In recent years Panetolikos has proved to be one of Greek football’s most interesting projects. It’s a club that tends to rely heavily on its academy players and is supplemented by a handful of quality players from overseas. It’s also a team known for playing attractive football and is popular among neutrals.

Over the summer, nothing really changed in terms of the club’s make-up, just a few faces. Luis Castro was board’s choice as coach to lead the team in this year’s Super League adventure.

At the same time, the club’s collaboration with Benfica for young player development and general know-how, along with a squad with plenty of talent, quality and youthful energy, many felt Panetolikos were destined for a top six finish to make the Play Offs. But the reality has been a very different and harsh one.

At the half-way point in the season, the men from Agrinio are propping up the standings, with just four points, no victory, as well as having the worst attack and the worst defence in the league.

While the overall look and feel of the team and its style of play is not a bad one, results simply have not come. Luis Castro paid for the disastrous start and has been replaced by Makis Chavos, who returned to the club he managed in the past.

But a coaching change has not had the desired effect of changing the team’s fortunes much. And if the Kanarinia do not get their act together soon, then they will staring relegation in the face. Right now, the fixture list in the second half of the season is looking like a huge mountain to climb for the club.