Parramatta Eels: ‘Gang of Five’ stripped of powers, but who will run the club now

THE Parramatta Eels’ beleaguered “Gang of Five” officials have been stripped of their powers to run the club, after a court injunction they filed last week against the NRL was lifted yesterday.The developments in the NSW Supreme Court raise questions as to who will run the Eels now that directors Steve Sharp, Tom Issa, Peter Serrao, CEO John Boulous and football boss Daniel Anderson are suspended — in line with the NRL breach notice.This effectively means the Eels have no chairman or CEO. The club is now controlled by its four remaining directors — ex-local MP Tanya Gadiel, Parramatta Lord Mayor Paul Garrard, accountant Andrew Cordwell and former player Geoff Gerard.Parramatta Eels chairman Steve Sharp has had his suspension reinstated.But, even those four may not be safe, with local businessman Andrew Eagleston confirming he is mounting a petition for a clean-out of the entire board — including the four board members left — at a likely upcoming extraordinary general meeting of the club.“This board has overseen the darkest day in the club’s history,” Mr Eagleston said.“I am drafting 24 resolutions with lawyers to have the entire board, and all positions, vacated, including the four directors not sanctioned by the NRL. The entire board sets the direction for the club.“To me, it is members of the same group as before that are still running the club, which is of grave concern. Were they aware of what was going on? If the answer is no, then why weren’t they aware of what was going on?”Until more permanent solutions can be found, Ms Gadiel is considered the most likely of the four to become Eels interim chairman. Meanwhile, it is believed the suspended directors held a conference call yesterday afternoon to discuss the implications of the Supreme CourtUnder the terms of the Court agreement hammered out yesterday between lawyers, the officials can perform only basic duties under the Corporations Act.This raises significant questions. One is whether Mr Sharp will be able to host corporate hospitality in the Chairman’s suite at Pirtek Stadium for the club’s do-or-die match against Souths on Friday night.But most importantly for the club, it begs the question of who is signing off on the Eels’ all-important salary cap compliance prior to Friday night’s game. There is also the pressing issue of the likely need to appoint an interim CEO.

"If you are going to do that better off just keeping him in Cup as a break glass option. Unless he is that much of a cancer and that negative to the squad that he needs to go."

Replies

fishbulb May 10, 2016 at 6:42am

Interim CEO - Bevan Paul
Greg the Griffith Grape Grower May 10, 2016 at 7:44am

It's been a good grape season. Who wants to see my grapes?

On another note, I'll do it. I can afford a few months off.

It will be a bright day when we can look at the front page of this site and not see one bloody political blog and all of them about footy.
Eric The 17.78cm Eel May 10, 2016 at 8:31am

Greenbog. He already has a bit of inside knowledge on the Club and he really knows his way around the Salary Cap.

From his Adult Friend Finder Profile;

Hi, I'm Turdy (sorry, I always have trouble with this silly predictive text) it's Toddy here,

I enjoy long wanks on the beach (bother, that should read walks), or a leisurely wank in the park (oh for f###s sake!) and to keep fit, I just adore Powerwanking,

Call me.
Nutcracker May 10, 2016 at 9:36am

About the salary cap?