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
What a joke ....yes bring them all back the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker.....why are these entities and groups even given oxygen in the general media.
we had the failed plumber we dont need the security guard slash pizza deliverer either ....
Honestly ....and it kinda also sucks that these legends get used like this ....or maybe they are complict and just looking for a pay day or kick back......just because you are a great doesnt entitle you to any job within the eels organisation without being appropriately credentialed I would hope. Then again this is the Eels lol
There's a very good reason we have the constitution we do. Only two Directors can be replaced each year. Precisely to prevent these types of power takeovers from occurring. No way the membership would allow this to happen again. Spagnolo had his chance and he blew it. Big time. Why would any sane person ever choose to go back to those days? He chooses the same ex-Parra players in an attempt to win over the members but we've all seen this shtick before. As for Barrilaro, his resume speaks for itself and is precisely the type of poorly credentialed, inexperienced individual we want nowhere near the halls of power at our club.
Great post HOE. Hopefully some journos run with this.
we know Michael Carayannis will , he seems to be one of the better ones and called Hooper out for all his stupid statements about Parra
Yeah, Parra_Greg,
I'm not going to have a shot at the former players (heroes for me when I grew up). I'm not sure what Roy (or his minions) promised them, how he may have misled them or why they're supposedly supporting Roy - if they are.
PS: It wouldn't me if a Carayannis, Chammas or someone like that does a similar story eventually (just properly written). I suppose they've also got to get it signed off with lawyers, editors, do fact checks, through the maze of politics etc. It's the Wild West here, lol.
Give em Hell mate.
We cannot and should not ever go back to these ticketed attempts of takeover. Stability with long term visions with the correct people in power is the only way to move forward.
Very true indeed , only we don't have the right people in power and the alternatives are even worse 🤣 . Had the eforms been done the right way the first time with the right people involved then we would not be having this discussion at all .
We don't have one person on either the leagues club board or football club board who have the ability to give Parramatta advantages like the top teams have , the ability to take advantage of having the 2nd largest CBD in NSW, the ability to make things happen when the club is desperate need to help and they have proven this conclusively.
I agree thats what it looks like.
This ticket is exactly what Parramatta needs
To avoid like the plague!
Spagnolo and his merry band of f-wits are no chance of getting near the club again. The bloke should get a life
Nice work HOE, any half decent journo would have reported the link between Barrilaro and Roy Spagolo, just a reminder for members the sole purpose of these people is to destabilise the club - Retired champions throwing thier support behind the Make Parra Matter Again committee! Lol what a cheap gimic.. things will settle down but moving on Sean, Rodgers and MON would be ideal.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
of 6 Next