The Tri-Axis: Michael Barrilaro (left), Roy Spagnolo, the Ringmaster (centre), and James Hooper (right)
George Santayana once wrote, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
That's something missed in James Hooper's recent attack on the Eels' club headlined: 'Make Parra Great Again? Greats Backing Plot to Overthrow Eels Higher-Ups' (4 Sept 2024). He suggests that former Eels' greats are pushing this Make Parra Matter Again Coup.
"Who’s involved in the push for change? Only three of the greatest Parramatta players of all time," Hooper reveals.
"Retired champion Eels Brett Kenny, Ray Price, Eric Grothe Snr, Eric Grothe Jnr, Ben Smith and David Liddiard have all thrown their support behind the Make Parra Matter Again committee who are calling for signatures to force an Extraordinary General Meeting," he continues.
"In a statement calling for signatures pushing for the Extraordinary General Meeting ["EGM"], committee member Michael Barrilaro said: The current administration has consistently fallen short of expectations.
"We have witnessed a decline in on-field performance, a toxic culture, and a complete disconnect between the club and its supporters. It is clear that a fresh approach is desperately needed.
"We can create a unified Club that is capable of achieving greatness," Hooper quotes Mr Barrilaro who is the ambassador of the Make Parra Matter Again ticket - whom has a linkedin profile as a security guard and pizza person.
But who is Really Driving this and Why?
Oddly enough, Hooper failed to report the most important information. Who is behind all this. The actual driver. Mr Roy Spagolo. The email below is evidence.
Now, Michael Barrilaro has claimed that Roy Spagolo is not behind this coup. Let's hope he comes clean or at least changes his story.
Attached in that email was the petition below. It seeks to gain enough support for an EGM and to overthrow four Leagues' board members in order to eventually seize control of the footy board.
Former chairman, Steve Sharp (ParraFirst" Ticket): He once promised to do whatever it takes to return the Eels to Greatness Again. Sound Familiar?
The Seven Dark Years: Do we want to return to the Dark Ages?
So, from mid-2009 to mid-2016 before the Reforms, this is what last happened under Roy Spagnolo and Steve Sharp's previous attempts to return us to Greatness:
- No Finals footy
- $50m in losses
- Salary cap scandal
- We almost lost our NRL licence
- 25 directors
- 5 CEOs
- 5 head coaches
- 5 salary cap breaches
- almost three successive straight spoons on top of the two (2011-13)
- over $1m in fines due to poor governence and cap scandal
That's been turned around. For what? So, we can now return to that?
Just in case
If you're still not sure why Roy Spagolo is a problem, do some research starting with these articles below.
1. Kate McClymont and Jacquelin Magnay (4 July 4 2009), Italian connection comes under scrutiny, Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, Link.
Kate McClymont and Jacquelin Magnay trace a tangled web of failed property deals that all lead back to Eels chairman Roy Spagnolo, his dogdy property development failings, short changing of the ATO, colorful associates part of royal commission, Woodward royal commission as a money launderer for the Griffith Mafia.
2. Kate McClymont and Stuart Goodman, (24 July 2015), Who Is Roy Spagnolo?, Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, Link.
3. Matthew Benns (27 December 2023), Look out Parramatta: Former Eels chairman Roy Spagnolo is standing for re-election to Parra Leagues Club board, Link.
Notes: Ultimately his election bid failed early 2024. "An investigation by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority found that the former Leagues Club chairman (Roy Spagola) had not demonstrated the skills and knowledge expected of a club director."
4. Chris Barrett (15 September 2014), Eels scandal deepens with allegations of intimidation, The Leader, Link.
Brief Eels' Political Timeline
Replies
Guys anything is better than this clown show running the joint.
how in the fuck did they fail to get Bennent ?
Mate if the great Brett Kenny believes we need a change well that's a no brainer.
Once they piss off this board they need to structure the club & pathways as Panthers, Easts & storm are currently doing , With Ryles on board it to me looks like things will change for the better.
So lets get behind this change make Parra Mata again
Let's go
Nope, can't agree. As others have said, last time Spagnolo was invlolved was a shitshow, not just poor results on the field, but off as well.
It is clear that change is needed, no one can deny that, but this is not the answer. If it is true that McElduff has to go this year, that is a start, the get someone on the board with business contacts, and get someone with rugby league background. Then get rid of O'Neill and Rogers. We need more smarts in head office.
And in reality, Brett Kenny is not the gauge for change. Great player, yes, but that is it. Again, as others have mentioned, if the likes of Sterlo or Cronin, or Peter Wynn even, were involved, that carries more weight.
Anything is better? Really?
You want to put the club in the hands of a security guard and failed pizza maker instead? The great Brett Kenny was amazing on the field 40 years ago. The fact that blokes like you try to co-opt his legacy in an attempt to gain control of the club is reprehensible. If you clowns bring this EGM to bare, you will find the membership will enthusiastically rally against you.
You people have no shame. The delusions of granduer make Raygun look humble.
If you want to be on the Board follow the election rules and nominate yourself otherwise sit down.
One would think the "darkness" 2010-16, of salary cap breaches and on-field ineptness, would be enough of a track record to keep Spagnolo & Cronies away from the board at all costs?
Daz, you're right. Commonsense would say so, but you don't toss out precedent, history, and "reason" between the ears - like old socks. Some might.
I know everyone has a right to be on here but be careful who and what you listen to regarding this issue.
I had no idea who Michael Barillaro was so I Googled him.
This is what I found
I'm confused by your post. The Mick you've highlighted doesn't seem to support this EGM push??
What are saying mate?? Have I ever endorsed these clowns on this platform??? You can delete that post ..
Mick,
Let me know and I'll delete it whole or the part of it that is misleading.
Cheers HOE, I dont mind giving badger the right of reply
It's could be a simple misunderstanding
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