Fitzgerald has gained an ally in the Telegraph's Dean Ritchie, who apparently cannot see who the real destabilises are around the club. After being made 'redundant' in 2009, Fitzgerald eagerly wants to get back onto the PDRL board and fix the diabolical mess the club is currently in, while also pushing his claim for a spot on the independent board as an NRL commissioner. How much power does this bloke want?
FORMER Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald has dropped a bombshell by declaring he wants a triumphant return to rugby league as an NRL commissioner.
Fitzgerald, 65, was ousted as Eels CEO in 2009 in a bitter power struggle that still consumes the Parramatta League Club board.
The self-proclaimed ‘Emperor of Parramatta’ told The Daily Telegraph on Thursday that Dave Smith’s NRL had a distinct lack of rugby league experience and needed his footy background to win back support from disenchanted clubs and fans.
“No one on the current board has been involved in the hurly-burly of the administration of Sydney clubs,” Fitzgerald said.
“A number of the Sydney powerbrokers are most unhappy with the commission and (CEO) Dave Smith and I think I could add some balance to it. I’d be very keen to take on a position with the commission.”
Asked had the NRL commission lost touch with grassroots fans, Fitzgerald said: “No doubt that they have.”
Fitzgerald, who was Parramatta CEO for 30 years, has personally written to Smith and NRL chairman John Grant expressing a passionate desire to be the next commissioner. Grant responded and recognised Fitzgerald’s achievements. Smith is yet to reply.
The NRL is under fire for employing a mountain of senior staff with commercial and corporate backgrounds — but very few who understand rugby league.
Asked why he should become a commissioner, Fitzgerald said: “Because of my experience in the game at all levels, from a player to a CEO for 30 years.
“It seems that the independent commission has made it that independent, it is independent of rugby league background, although John Grant played at the highest level and Wayne Pearce did as well.
“But there isn’t any experience on the commission in terms of administrators from a Sydney club and, of course, I was Parramatta CEO and a board member for 30 years.
“And I think grassroots fans want to know the leaders of the game have also had some sort of background in the game and can relate to the people who set up the junior league fields every day at places like Cabramatta, Minto, Chester Hill and St Marys; the mums and dads who sell hot dogs and raffle tickets on an honorary basis to raise some money.
“I am sure the people at the top don’t relate to those volunteers, especially those in Sydney’s greater west.”
A spokesman for the NRL said that, as it has been done for the last two appointments, all “appropriate candidates would be considered when a position on the commission becomes vacant.”
Fitzgerald is aware of clubs being dissatisfied with the commissioner and Smith — and thinks he can help.
“There is plenty of angst out there,” he said. “In days gone by, you could have very meaningful conversations, especially the NRL CEO when David Gallop was there, someone I have the highest regard for, he was someone the CEOs could relate to.
“He was a Sydney person who knew the scene. Most of the Sydney powerbrokers had a high regard for him.”
Fitzgerald meanwhile confirmed he would run for the looming Parramatta district club elections. Although no firm date has been set for the AGM, Fitzgerald said he wanted a spot on the board after speaking with agitated fans and members.
“It’s been five years since I was made redundant at Parramatta and those five years have been embarrassing for the club,” he said.
“I feel embarrassed how it has been run and the results. Since I left, Parramatta has had four football club CEOs, four Leagues Club CEOs and four first grade coaches. The one thing I was keen on when I was there was stability. I think I can assist the club to get bigger and return to its former glory.”
Fitzgerald, if elected, may then look to proceed onto the Parramatta Leagues Club board, which runs the Eels’ NRL franchise.
Replies
Could you imagine Dean Richie and Denis Fitzgerald in the same place at the one time?
It would be like one of those 1900's traveling freak shows.
right again snake. i could say worse but.
Bulldog has long been mates with Fitzy for a long time.
Fitzy certainly has a very interesting take on what it takes to have stability! Someone might suggest that since the current board made their changes there has been no major changes and the place is now operationally the most stable its been for a decade.
What's the latest on the elections for next month? They still happening?
Im not sure how Bulldog reaches his mouth with his hands to eat let alone do other things.
Dean has the shortest and smallest arms in history, and easily one of the biggest heads in history, so much so that he reminds me of a human 'bobble head', you know those little toys with the big head on a spring attached to a very little body, some people put them in their cars.
Have a look at Dean next time you see him and tell me he doesnt remind you of a human bobble head.
Dennis reminds me of an undertaker/embalmer/Funeral home director back in dickens times in England named Lurch..
I could imagine ringing the bell on such a place on a dark and gloomy night, the door opens with a creak and there stands Denis looking through the shadows saying ''you rang'',......
Don't underestimate Fitzgerald. He has powerful allies who will support him at election time. You can be certain that his best mate Ray Hadley will strongly advocate him. All he needs is a handful of people to vote for him and he'll likely get in.
Agree EWRA, but i dont think anybody will underestimate him, theres no way he would be running if he didnt think he will get the votes, Denis is a sly old fox and has been planning this for a while.
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