As disappointing as some of the events of the past couple of days have been, I don't buy into the doom and gloom. I also vehemently don't want the NRL to step in and take control of our franchise. If that happens, you can get used to the trek out to ANZ Stadium because that is the NRL's vision for this club.
While it has not surprised that the press is now seeking to make our situation out as grim as can be, none of what has unfolded comes as any surprise to me at all. I've made long-time regular members of this website, fairly sick and tired with my constant refrain calling for constitutional reform. As I walked up to the podium to ask a question about media leaks at the AGM, I heard a heckler wise-crack "constitutional reform". If it was meant to be a jibe then it missed it's mark - if people want to identify me with a push towards a more modern structure and set of governing rules than I will wear that as a badge of honour every day of the week. If I can contribute to that happening in any way, every effort I've put into this site or the politics of the club will have been worth it.
As I've said so many times, the constitution and structure we work under does not just fail to optimise performance of either our football or Leagues Clubs, it actively promotes the heated politics that creates the constant lack of stability. It's very difficult to be successful in business or sport without stability. That's what you've seen this week - despite the good work that is taking place all around the club - and I do believe we're moving forward in so many ways, it can all be dragged down by a few individuals playing politics for the edification of their own egos.
Adrian Proscenko wrote that such political machinations is a part of the club's "DNA". Well, a club's constitution is as close as you'll get to DNA within a organisation, so looking at it from that point of view, I agree. However, unlike DNA, a constitution can be changed. We can change.
And I believe we are getting there. Nobody really wanted to listen to my rants when I first started on this . However, we're now at a point where I think every body agrees it must happen. Even after the defeat of those resolutions, the most common feedbvack was not that we don't need to change anything, it's been that next time we do, we just need to get it right. I expressed my mis-givings about the motions on here prior to the election, and while I voted for them because I think it would have at least have been a step forward, I certainly didn't feel passionate enough about how they were framed to speak on their behalf.
However, after speaking to a lot of people around the club and on the board over the past few days, I think a real lesson has been taken out of this. I don't think this is something the board will give up on (or at least the controlling faction of it) but I think they know that next time it has to be more collaborative and considered. Unfortunately, the political machinations that have taken place in the boardroom, particularly since Steve Sharp made his stand on the appointment of Brad Arthur has probably led to something of a siege mentality and too much isolated thinking and not enough outward communication. I honestly believe this AGM will be a turning point for this administration - make no mistake, all involved have had a tumultuous year with the constant efforts made to undermine and disrupt, but I think they cannot help but heed the lessons that were laid out this week.
Nor do I think Bill Moss will give up or go away. Again, I get the feel that this will steel his resolve - he will only get more involved with the club and he'll fight even harder to help this club win a Premiership, which is why he wants to get involved. And I know that myself and a lot of other people who have worked towards edging the club away from its most-recent ugly past, are only more determined.
And I come to this site and talk to people in the real world and I see the same determination among the general fanbase, as well. There is a much deeper understanding of the way the club works, there is a realisation that there is a need for change and there is an awareness of who is who in the zoo. And I think it has been laid plainly the motivation of many of those players. The rank and file Eel supporter won't forget and they will see past the misdirection and mistruths that have no other objective but to de-stablise and promote fear and distrust. And bit by bit they will mobilise to ensure their club and its interests will not be hi-jacked in the future.
I'm not down-trodden, I'm excited. I believe things are infinitely better on the playing park under Brad Arthur, Daniel Anderson and the team and I believe we had some talented administrators who are moving us forward as well a board that has been through the wringer and can now take off the L Plates. I believe with the counsel of smart people like Bill Moss and others this club is moving in the right direction and it has the momentum that will see it overcome all of the efforts to hold it back. And I believe we will beat the Sharks this weekend.
Feel the pain enough to do something about ensuring you have a voice, but don't let it dim your passion or belief.
We love our Eels.
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I propose a march on the club. Although I also propose that I won't be attending said march.
It'll happen. There really is a lot of work to do before hand though, and I hope that can get started now.
Tonight
If we could organise 150-200 people from this site and their friends to attend the next meeting, making 250-300, even the factions would be in for a shock when the motions we need are passed at last. Forums and social media can go a long way if people are bothered.
From a business perspective the Eels are just such a mess when compared to privately run clubs. We have to deal with all the issues they do PLUS the complex, stressful, distracting, destabilising, Machiavellian freak show that is club politics. It is absolutely no coincidence that during these years of Board instability we have been cemented to the bottom of the ladder. No business can function successfully with such a massive distraction.
We need to not merely tweak our constitution, we need a wholesale, game changing restructure. Removing ourselves from the shackles of the rules and regulations of Clubs NSW would be a good start.
I wonder if the three year eligibility to vote rule could be altered as I expect there is going to be surge in membership now and I sense impatience for change to occur.
I agree with Miatch. There is a chance Mr Moss might be able to have a bigger impact for our club, especially with the extra media attention opening peoples eyes to his ideas.
And on another note, I hope the boofheads who kept saying ParraFirst were in with Fitzy, I guess the other night is the proof this is not the case. A public apology should be coming soon....
The only thing that as an eel fan is that we might be pushed out of parra stadium by the wanderers & the Nrl will try to relocate all our home games out of Anz stadium .
Ok if they want all sydney clubs playing out of the 2 larger stadiums & representing their part of the city , please tell me how's south sydney anywhere near homebush?
If they are serious about this then out of homebush Anz you will have the bulldogs, tigers , eels & panthers playing all home games & out of the sfs the roosters , sharks, dragons, rabbitoes & manly. If the sea eagles are too pretty for Moore park then piss them off to Gosford
1eyed. I am with you all the way. The only point I am not aligned is the move to ANZ. Mate, we need 50000 at every game. We need to grow. The game is evolving and we need to as well.
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