Manisaspor

Manisaspor
Nickname(s)	Tarzanlar (Tarzans), Maniaspor
Founded	15 June 1965; 59 years ago
Ground	Manisa 19 Mayıs Stadium; Manisa, Turkey
Capacity	16,597
Chairman	Taner Kestaneci
Manager	Soner Seçilmiş
Website	http://www.manisaspor.org.tr

Manisaspor is a Turkish professional football club located in the city of Manisa. Originally formed in 1931 as Sakaryaspor, the club changed its name to Manisaspor on 15 June 1965.^[2] The club colours are red, white, and black. Manisaspor play their home matches at Manisa 19 Mayis Stadi.^[1]

History

Manisaspor Kulübü was founded in 1931 as Sakaryaspor, although the club was not located in Sakarya. The original club colours were black and white. Sakaryaspor won the Manisa Amateur League 15 times, and finished 3rd in the Turkish Amateur League in 1954.^[2]

The club ceased operations during World War II but continued competing in 1946. In 1964, Manisaspor were allowed to compete professionally in the 1.Lig as Manisa Sakaryaspor.^[3] In their first season, the club finished with 16 points, earning them relegation. However, on 15 June 1965 at 21:00, Sakaryaspor officially became Manisaspor, and the club was allowed to compete in the 1. Lig again.^[2]

Manisaspor Kulübü spent the first forty years of their existence in the lower leagues of the Turkish football league system. In 2001, they received a financial boost from Zorlu Holding, who injected the club with money. In turn, Manisaspor were re-branded as Vestel Manisaspor. Their first promotion to the Süper Lig came in 2005 under the guidance of manager Levent Eriş.^[2]

Ersun Yanal was named new manager for the 2005–06 season. At the end of the winter break in the 2006–07 season, Manisaspor Kulübü were flying high in fourth position. However, they could not keep up the results, finishing in 12th place, four points away from relegation.^[2]^[4]

Manisaspor Kulübü finally relegated from First League after finishing it as 16th in 2014–15 season and returned to third level after 13 years.

Colours and badge

Manisa SK's classic home kit

Manisaspor Kulübü originally wore black and white kits.^[2] The club changed their badge, removing the Vestel moniker and replacing it with the club's foundation year (1965).

League participations

Super League: 2005–2008, 2009–2012
First League: 1964–1978, 1980–1983, 1991–1993, 1994–1995, 2002–2005, 2008–2009, 2012–2015, 2016–2018
Second League: 1978–1980, 1984–1991, 1993–1994, 1995–2002, 2015–2016, 2018-
Amateur Level: 1931–1964, 1983–1984

Manisali Tarzan

The club has a loyal following in the city. Their ultras are known as ‘Tarzanlar’, named after a local hero known as ‘Manisa Tarzanı’ (Tarzan of Manisa). He was a veteran of WW1 decorated with military honors who gave up his privileges, giving all his money to the poor, to commit his life to the reforestation of Manisa after most of the city's trees and green areas were burned down during the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922).^[5]

Current squad

As of 4 February 2018

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.