http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25657834-23214,00.html
The troubled Cronulla Sharks find a new leader in Richard Fisk
Former Sydney radio personality and Sydney Roosters marketing man Richard Fisk is set to take over the running of the troubled Cronulla Sharks on an interim basis.
Fisk, who quit his Roosters post as general manager of marketing and media in a reshuffle six weeks ago, will take over the running of the Sharks football operations, possibly as early as next week.
It is believed that Fisk met key Cronulla officials in the past 24 hours.
Fisk is no stranger to the Cronulla club having held a key senior post there more than 10 years ago. He also worked as an on-air personality alongside former referee Greg Hartley and Peter Peters at the now John Singleton-owned 2GB, the radio rights holders to the NRL.
Fisk didn't return phone calls on Thursday night. News of Fisk's imminent appointment comes as the Sharks board called in leading forensic accountants BDO Kendalls to undertake a full review of club operations in the wake of the Tony Zappia affair.
While the exact terms of reference for BDO's review are still to be finalised, it may include:
* A review of processes and procedures for entering into contractual agreements and other financial transactions;
* Assess any unusual transactions identified as a result of the review;
* Verify the validity of expenditure alleged to have been made from the Beyond Sharks Foundation for the benefit of the football club, and;
* To assess the club's existing governance and management procedures and provide recommendations for improvement.
A copy of the final report will also be handed to the NRL.
A Sharks spokesman said the new board of directors remain committed to ensuring the club adheres to the highest standards of corporate governance.
Meanwhile, Goulburn police were called to Clint Elford's home to attend to a family dispute.
While Elford, 27, remains in custody at the Metropolitan Remand Centre at Silverwater in Sydney's west unable to post a $50,000 surety over a number of fraud charges, it was the second time officers attended the normally quiet street in one day.
Earlier, detectives had searched the home a second time, seizing additional financial documents and other items.
Elford is accused of defrauding a life insurance company of $500,000 and using a forged doctor's signature to declare a terminal illness.
Sutherland Local Court heard this week that Elford is alleged to have given $30,000 to Zappia, who was the club's chief executive.
Zappia has since resigned.
Elford did not enter a plea and was ordered to appear at Goulburn Local Court next Wednesday.
Detective Sergeant Matt Woods said the case against Elford was complex. "We are continuing along a number of lines of inquiry," Woods said.
Goulburn police began their investigation into Elford five weeks ago after insurance company Allianz Australia contacted a Goulburn doctor, who said he had never treated Elford for, or had any knowledge of his illness.
Elford was portrayed on national television last Sunday night as a generous benefactor to the Sharks, originally donating $30,000 of a life insurance payout to the Beyond Sharks Foundation, after his claim for a condition known as Shy-Drager Syndrome, had been processed.
"We expect to lay additional charges against Mr Elford when he next appears in court next Wednesday," Sergeant Woods said.
Is this a good move? Dont know too much about Fisk.
The troubled Cronulla Sharks find a new leader in Richard Fisk
Former Sydney radio personality and Sydney Roosters marketing man Richard Fisk is set to take over the running of the troubled Cronulla Sharks on an interim basis.
Fisk, who quit his Roosters post as general manager of marketing and media in a reshuffle six weeks ago, will take over the running of the Sharks football operations, possibly as early as next week.
It is believed that Fisk met key Cronulla officials in the past 24 hours.
Fisk is no stranger to the Cronulla club having held a key senior post there more than 10 years ago. He also worked as an on-air personality alongside former referee Greg Hartley and Peter Peters at the now John Singleton-owned 2GB, the radio rights holders to the NRL.
Fisk didn't return phone calls on Thursday night. News of Fisk's imminent appointment comes as the Sharks board called in leading forensic accountants BDO Kendalls to undertake a full review of club operations in the wake of the Tony Zappia affair.
While the exact terms of reference for BDO's review are still to be finalised, it may include:
* A review of processes and procedures for entering into contractual agreements and other financial transactions;
* Assess any unusual transactions identified as a result of the review;
* Verify the validity of expenditure alleged to have been made from the Beyond Sharks Foundation for the benefit of the football club, and;
* To assess the club's existing governance and management procedures and provide recommendations for improvement.
A copy of the final report will also be handed to the NRL.
A Sharks spokesman said the new board of directors remain committed to ensuring the club adheres to the highest standards of corporate governance.
Meanwhile, Goulburn police were called to Clint Elford's home to attend to a family dispute.
While Elford, 27, remains in custody at the Metropolitan Remand Centre at Silverwater in Sydney's west unable to post a $50,000 surety over a number of fraud charges, it was the second time officers attended the normally quiet street in one day.
Earlier, detectives had searched the home a second time, seizing additional financial documents and other items.
Elford is accused of defrauding a life insurance company of $500,000 and using a forged doctor's signature to declare a terminal illness.
Sutherland Local Court heard this week that Elford is alleged to have given $30,000 to Zappia, who was the club's chief executive.
Zappia has since resigned.
Elford did not enter a plea and was ordered to appear at Goulburn Local Court next Wednesday.
Detective Sergeant Matt Woods said the case against Elford was complex. "We are continuing along a number of lines of inquiry," Woods said.
Goulburn police began their investigation into Elford five weeks ago after insurance company Allianz Australia contacted a Goulburn doctor, who said he had never treated Elford for, or had any knowledge of his illness.
Elford was portrayed on national television last Sunday night as a generous benefactor to the Sharks, originally donating $30,000 of a life insurance payout to the Beyond Sharks Foundation, after his claim for a condition known as Shy-Drager Syndrome, had been processed.
"We expect to lay additional charges against Mr Elford when he next appears in court next Wednesday," Sergeant Woods said.
Is this a good move? Dont know too much about Fisk.
