 Apollon managed to return to the First Division in the 2012–13 season, with Stamatis Vellis, a business shipping magnate, as the new owner.On November 11, 2013, Apollon Smyrnis announced the signing of Northern Irish Lawrie Sanchez as head coach and as assistant coach Stephen Constantine.Their presence contributed to a significant harvesting of points in the second round of the championship, but it was not enough to keep Apollon in the Super League as it finished the penultimate and relegated.