by Adrian Proszenko
The incumbent Manly board has been backed at the ballot box in a move which could hasten the buyout of the rival Penn faction.
Members voted to retain current district club directors Bob Reilly, Cliff Lyons, Darrell Williams, Bob Stevenson, Chris Jones and Rory Muscat at the board election at the chairman's lounge at Brookvale Oval on Thursday night.
"It's now about putting back up those fences that have been torn down during this election campaign," said district club chairman Reilly.
"Everyone can now pull together to ensure this club remains great and strong."
The result is significant to the football team as two of the successful directors will join the Sea Eagles board.
The vote of confidence comes after yet another playoff appearance, this time a grand final loss to the Roosters, and the return of a profit for the first time in 35 years.
The count was taken after coach Geoff Toovey gave members an update on the team, while Sea Eagles boss David Perry updated attendees on developments off the field.
The ballot pitted some of the most influential figures on the northern beaches against each other but there are now hopes of peace at Brookvale.
Manly chairman Scott Penn has previously outlined his desire to sell his stake in the club but it's believed he was waiting for the outcome of Thursday's, vote which could have given his faction control of the Sea Eagles.
But the defeat could hasten buyout talks, with some officials hopeful of a deal early in the new year.
The incumbent board enjoyed the public support of former players Fred Jones, Terry Randall and Mal Cochrane.
Others backing them at the ballot include author Thomas Keneally, Manly backer Max Delmege, former coach and CEO Graham Lowe, actor Simon Westaway, Eagles Angel Nici Andronicus and media personalities Grant Goldman and Wendy Harmer.
The coaching and playing staff have been unaffected by the tumult in the boardroom and can claim to be the most dominant club over the past decade ahead of arch rivals Melbourne
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/manly-members-back-current-district-club-directors-20131219-2zobb.html#ixzz2nxJwjY74
