The Black Eagles acquired Mehmet Ekşi (born 1955) from Trabzonspor in 1978. The centre-back soon became a team captain and netted 25 goals in 189 matches. He earned 6 international caps with Turkey. Ekşi took up coaching after his retirement in 1988. He briefly managed Beşiktaş JK during 2005-2006 season after Rıza Çalımbay resigned.