 Ionikos was established in 1965, from a merger of local clubs Nikaia Sports Union and Aris Piraeus, with Alex Meraklidis as new club's first president.The club's early years were not easy, but, with the support of its fans, Ionikos slowly improved through the 1970s and 1980s and eventually reached the top division in 1989.The club's first promotion to the top flight was accompanied by unexpected problemsDimitris Melissanidis withdrew as chairman, and the club needed 50 million drachmas to participate in the championship.