Thanks to those people who alerted me to this post – you know who you are and I really appreciate your concern that I was being called a liar on a public forum.
Re T –Rex …OK – Here goes…
I was at a board meeting of the Football Club in October 2011 and one of the topics discussed was the contract for Tony Williams.
It was explained that his manager was originally looking to sign for 12 months but that a 2 year contract had been offered and signed (as seen, this news was confirmed and released to the public via a number of press releases and media conferences so confirmed what I understood).
It was explained to us during the meeting that there was no get out clause relating to coaching staff (as had been the worry for supporters for other peoples contracts at that time in light of the situation with Des Hasler)
Hence, it was my (and I’m told others) understanding that he was signed for 2 years with no “get outâ€
In light of the provocative post from Rudi (not sure who he/she is or why he/she would want to discredit me on here?) I have made a call and have now been informed that there was indeed a 2 year contract signed but that there is provision for the 2nd year of the contract to be negotiated at the end of 12 months (By both parties).
Of course I am deeply embarrassed and somewhat disappointed that what I was told is not exactly what was finally signed (albeit it is not a “get out†clause in the true sense of the term)
Now, bear in mind that contracts for players are with the Sea Eagles (not the Football Club) – they are managed and paid by the MWSE from their budget and company structure.
Hence, neither I nor any of my fellow board members are ultimately responsible for negotiating or signing these contracts and quite rightly so.
The deals are agreed at Sea Eagles board level (of which of course we hold 2 seats) and then signed by an authorised representative – here is not the forum to discuss the lines of communication regarding these aspects but needless to say I’m not happy and there was no benefit in me misleading members or fans (in fact the complete opposite is the case).
To Rudi – Please PM me if you have issues or want to check something?
Can I publicly tell you I take great exception to your claims that I lied to people or mislead them on purpose? – If you have issues with me or how I do things then fine, give me a call or arrange a meeting and I’m happy to hear your thoughts and I’m always open to constructive criticism?
However if you wish to criticise publicly or tell the world that you feel strongly that I’m not up to the task, also fine - People know who I am, where I can be found and that I'm open to discussion so how about you tell us who you are so we can continue this openly and people can have their say?
Also, whilst we are discussing facts - I'm not on the board of the NRL club (the MWSE), We are not struggling financially - read the thread about how good the Sea Eagles books are looking at present under the stewardship of David Perry and his team and, as the playing group are currently NRL Premiers then I guess overall we are not struggling too badly compared to others? - Gedda Grip mate?
Finally, I say to the rest of you…Sorry guys, I told it as I understood it and as I’d been informed – sorry about that – contact me if you like or grab me at Parra on the weekend and I’m happy to tell you the full story (sorry but not going to give the lazy journo’s any free column inches….)
