Parramatta’s remaining directors facing a new challenge
The Australian 12:00AM June 11, 2016 Save Print Brent Read Senior sports writer Sydney
Parramatta officials yesterday submitted their salary cap response to the NRL but another challenge looms on the horizon as further details emerge of plans by at least two groups to challenge the club’s surviving directors at an extraordinary general meeting. The Weekend Australian yesterday spoke to Andrew Eagleston, who is putting together a ticket to challenge the current board in a bid to take control of the Parramatta Leagues Club and, by extension, the football side.
Eagleston, who has the support of former Macquarie bank boss and noted Eels supporter Bill Moss, is expected to unveil more details of his plans over the weekend. However, he said he had several prominent businessmen ready to step into the breach as well as the signatures required to force an EGM.
“The club needs a fresh start and our objective will be to make the Parramatta Eels a great club once again,” Eagleston said.
“All of these issues that have been coming up are unacceptable and we need to bring about change to address them.”
It is understood another group believed to involve high-profile supporter Philip Sim is also in the process of gathering the signatures required to force an EGM, heaping pressure on the existing board members as they fight to clear the club of salary cap allegations. While Eagleston has candidates lined up to replace the existing directors, it is understood the rival group is aiming to remove the board and leave their replacements in the hands of an independent body.
Only four directors remain at the club — Geoff Gerard, Andrew Cardwell, Paul Garrard and Tanya Gadiel. Chairman Steve Sharp, deputy chairman Tom Issa and fellow board member Peter Serrao were all suspended as a result of the salary cap investigation, which is expected to cost the club 12 premiership points and a $1 million fine.
The three suspended directors, along with chief executive John Boulous and head of football operations Daniel Anderson, already reeling after losing their legal challenge against the NRL, suffered another setback yesterday when the Supreme Court ruled they were responsible for costs.
Meanwhile, the salary cap allegations have now resulted in NSW police opening an investigation into the Eels after they received a copy of the NRL breach notice from the NSW Office of Liquor and Gaming. The four remaining directors also forwarded information to the police after receiving additional evidence from the NRL in recent weeks in relation to the actions of a former employee.
Against that backdrop, Eels officials yesterday put the finishing touches on their submission to the NRL and remain hopeful the game’s governing body will be sympathetic to their cause. The club’s hopes of playing finals hinge on the outcome.
While the move to unseat the current board has ramped up, it threatens to be a long and painstaking process. Once the requisite signatures are secured, they must be lodged with the company secretary — leagues club boss Bevan Paul. The signatures must then be verified to ensure all those involved are voting members. If any one of them is not, the process needs to start again. Even once the signatures are verified, it could be up to two months before an EGM is called. Eagleston is no stranger to the voting process, having run at the last elections.
He secured 164 votes — more than 700 was required to secure a seat on the board. However, that setback hasn’t swayed him from making another move to gain a say in the club’s future as moves to remove the existing board members gather momentum.
Any move to remove the board would have significant ramifications on a number of fronts. The club is in the midst of attempting to secure five-eighth Corey Norman to an extension while coach Brad Arthur has been linked with the New Zealand Warriors.
Replies
LOL Capt what do you mean mate, this Andrew Eagleton sat along side Ben Smith and Ray Fares last election on the paramount ticket and would be a complete disaster.
Our fans need to do some serious investigations into this bloke, this would be an absolute disaster.
Another Spags boy.
Yep, and in with Price, Kenny, Grothe all the dopey ex players, before last elections he was boasting they all support him, you can tell by the way he writes he's just another amateur like Fares desperate to get into power.
The last ticket he was on was headed by spagnolo, and look who is onboard now, the 'honourable' Bill Moss, LOL
Oh i forgot, Brett Kenny is supporting him again.
Any Eels fans who want these type of guys in has rocks in their heads.
Just what we need.
Let's hope that if this mob gets in things settle down for the nexr 5 years at least
Here is Andrews Facebook post from his tilt at the board last year...
Hi Friends,
I am running for the Parramatta Eels Rugby League Club Board of Directors. The election is being held this coming Thursday to Sunday at the Parramatta Eels Leagues Club and also at Vikings Sports Club. If you would like to see positive change to the Club then please come down and vote for me.
Our ticket has been endorsed by 4 time Premiership winning legends Brett Kenny, Eric Grothe Snr, Ray Price OAM and NRL star Ben Smith.
I am passionate about the mighty and the beloved Parramatta Eels. I am committed to developing the Parramatta Eels into the premier sporting club franchise in Australia.
This would be achieved by implementing core values at the club such as respect ,professionalism and integrity at all levels for all stakeholders….the fans, the players and coaches, the sponsors, the employees and the community.
This would be achieved by overseeing corporate governance and professional management at the Parramatta Eels Leagues Club, supporting the Legends of the Club, investing supporting and developing the Parramatta Eels juniors, supporting the Club, the employees and supporters on the journey into the future.
I am totally committed and focused on the 5 year, 10 year and 15 year business plan for the Parramatta Eels. The objective is to deliver excellence at every level throughout the business and develop the Parramatta Eels brand, ensure the business is an outstanding financial success and deliver stability throughout the organisation.
I am totally focused on the importance of the Parramatta Eels junior Rugby League and the impact the junior Rugby League has on the wider community. I am mindful of the support required for the Parramatta Eels Junior Rugby League to operate effectively.
I stand for the immediate resurrection of the Parramatta Eels District Football Club. I stand for the immediate reinstatement of Club Legend Eric Grothe Snr’s and other valued members memberships which have been suspended. I stand for fairness and decency for the Parramatta Eels employee’s, delivering a positive enviroment at the organisation and a platform for the NRL team and Coaches and all junior teams to reach their potential and deliver our next Premiership.
I grew up in North Parramatta and attended school at Parramatta Marist Brothers where my passion for the Parramatta Eels began. I played football in the Parramatta Eels junior Rugby League whilst at Marist Brothers Parramatta and played in the Catholic schools rugby league competition whilst at school.
I am a Father of two beautiful kids that also love the Parramatta Eels. I understand the value of family at the Parramatta Eels.
My business experience and community involvement is as follows-
Company Director for 8 Years
Formerly Portfolio Manager Mirvac Asset Management
Directly responsibnle for 11 Shopping Centres – Involved in a Property Portfolio valued at 1.4billion
Formerly worked for Lend Lease Property Management Australia
Formerly a board member for Homeworld
Club sponsor of the Parramatta Eels for 7 years
Introduced Mirvac to the Parramatta Eels as a Blue Chip Sponsor
Perpetual Member of the Parramatta Leagues Club
Founder of the Parramatta Eels Legends Coaching School
Grew up in North Parramatta 3 minutes from Cumberland Oval/Parramatta Stadium
Went to school at Parramatta Marist Brothers from years 5 to 12
see you at the next game!!!
Go the Eels!!
Yours Sincerely
Andrew Eagleston
This guy is clearly Spagnolo associate.
There's nothing in this article from Bill Moss saying he supports Andrew Eaglestone. Be interesting to see if this is actually backed up by Bill Moss himself.
Here we go.
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