Crisis rocks Parramatta club as director quits

[Poupou Escobar]

Ando didn't have any control over retention except when he re-signed Mortimer.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

But seriously, if it was Anderson's decision to get rid of Inu and Mateo then good on him. It was a hard call but it needed to be made.

Either way, it was the current board and CEO who oversaw the decision so good on them too.

 

[HevyDevy]

Just to let you all know, I'm a bit drunk and I think you're all sexy.

Especially you PP...

 

[The EELiminator]

But seriously, if it was Anderson's decision to get rid of Inu and Mateo then good on him. It was a hard call but it needed to be made.

Either way, it was the current board and CEO who oversaw the decision so good on them too.

was it really that hard a call to make? especially after the warriors decided to give them a bank each could we afford to keep them even if we wanted to

 

[MrT]

That doesn't take into account we lost to some of the s**tier sides like Raiders, Roosters, Souths (x2), Bulldogs (x2), and Panthers (x2). I'm sure fans of the Bulldogs, Roosters, and Titans can think of plenty of reasons to sugercoat their disappointing seasons too. I can think of reasons why they struggled just like us but we failed equally as much as, not less, than they did.

all of those teams had better rosters

 

[Tony Bongo]

Just to let you all know, I'm a bit drunk and I think you're all sexy.

Especially you PP...

:lol:
I am sooo glad that alcohol doesn't have that effect on me - especially since I've had a few myself.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

was it really that hard a call to make? especially after the warriors decided to give them a bank each could we afford to keep them even if we wanted to

If we really wanted to keep them we would have locked them up long before it came to that.

Not every player tests himself on the open market when his contract is up.

 

[HevyDevy]

If we really wanted to keep them we would have locked them up long before it came to that.

Not every player tests himself on the open market when his contract is up.

At the end of the day, Mateo's form didn't warrant the cash he was offered. I completely agree with not matching the money the Warriors offered. That said, I was sad to see him go and his form for the Warriors this year was very good but that's not to say that he would have produced the same at the Eels.

Perhaps it was the best move for both parties?

 

[HevyDevy]

:lol:
I am sooo glad that alcohol doesn't have that effect on me - especially since I've had a few myself.

Well I went to a wine luncheon thing today so I've been on it for quite a while. All good.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

At the end of the day, Mateo's form didn't warrant the cash he was offered. I completely agree with not matching the money the Warriors offered. That said, I was sad to see him go and his form for the Warriors this year was very good but that's not to say that he would have produced the same at the Eels.

Perhaps it was the best move for both parties?

Yeah I think it definitely was, though our attack would have been a lot better this year if we'd kept him. He was really the only player taking pressure off Hayne over the past two years.

As for being sad to see him go, so was I. He was one of my favourite players and I think he's one of the best attacking players in the game. Unfortunately at his position you need to be able to defend as well and he's barely up to first grade standard. He'd probably defend better in the front row because he's big and strong and he can hit, but then most of his attack would be wasted.

He's a hard player to fit into a team, that's for sure.

Anyway, plenty of Eels fans were sad to see him go, just as plenty of Warriors fans were stoked to have him at their club. He's the kind of player that is just awesome to watch and fans love him. That's why letting him go would have been hard for the club.

 

[Tony Bongo]

Well I went to a wine luncheon thing today so I've been on it for quite a while. All good.

Great ! It sounds like you've had a good day then.

 

[HevyDevy]

Yeah I think it definitely was, though our attack would have been a lot better this year if we'd kept him. He was really the only player taking pressure off Hayne over the past two years.

As for being sad to see him go, so was I. He was one of my favourite players and I think he's one of the best attacking players in the game. Unfortunately at his position you need to be able to defend as well and he's barely up to first grade standard. He'd probably defend better in the front row because he's big and strong and he can hit, but then most of his attack would be wasted.

He's a hard player to fit into a team, that's for sure.

Anyway, plenty of Eels fans were sad to see him go, just as plenty of Warriors fans were stoked to have him at their club. He's the kind of player that is just awesome to watch and fans love him. That's why letting him go would have been hard for the club.

I must say that watching him create second phase play for blokes like Johnson and Locke was pretty special.

Warriors can be great to watch.

 

[Gronk]

I have done nothing wrong, says Eels chief
Adrian Proszenko
October 23, 2011

PARRAMATTA chief executive Paul Osborne is adamant he has ''done nothing wrong'' and believes his future at the club will ultimately be decided by the wishes of his family.

The declaration comes as sources told The Sun-Herald that Osborne borrowed money from chairman Roy Spagnolo to assist a long-retired former player who was suffering financial hardship.

Osborne refused to discuss the matters being investigated by the club - including allegations of financial irregularities and harassment of staff made against him - on the advice of his legal representatives Stuart Littlemore, QC, and Yves Hazan. In his final interview before the conclusion of the investigation, Osborne opened up on his critics, spoke about his personal life and said he was the victim in a Byron Bay property deal which went sour.

''I've done nothing wrong,'' Osborne said. ''I've got every confidence that I've acted in accordance with the terms and conditions of my employment contract. I believe I have a good relationship with my team and staff and it's been a very happy workplace up until the last fortnight. I have great faith in the people who work for me.

''My understanding is the investigation will be thorough, which is terrific. I'm looking forward to it.''

Asked if the club was better off without him, Osborne replied: ''Am I better off without the club? First and foremost I've got to clear my name. But ultimately when that's done - and I love the club - I'll be making a decision going forward that's in the best interests of my children. They're the ones who have suffered

the most. I'm committed to the place, I'm having some holidays, which I need. I'm up for [the job]. The question is whether my family is.''

The former premiership-winning prop said recent events had put a strain on his family. ''I'd like to make some comments in relation to my personal life,'' he said. ''It's obviously been a very trying time for us personally and we're trying to work our way through it as a family. My wife and I were separated for a period of time, over 12 months. That was obviously something very private to us and we're very protective of our children.

''At the moment we're working through a number of issues together. I would just ask that people would respect our privacy as we work through that.''

Osborne's financial situation has been made public, including the recent purchase of a holiday home in Byron Bay. Asked how a club boss could afford a $1.9 million retreat, he replied: ''It's a great house but I can't afford it. It's up for sale.

''Clearly it's placed pressure on us financially. I bought the property in Byron Bay when undertakings were taken on rent and other things that weren't met. I'm dealing with the office of fair trading and with the police in relation to the matter and that's all I can say at this time. The real estate agent in question has been stripped of her licence subject to an inquiry. We're assisting [inquiries].''

One of the allegations levelled against Osborne is the use of a sponsor's car. It's understood that the former ACT politician introduced his friend, Joe Nahas, as an Eels sponsor and that Nahas lent Osborne a car last year when his was written off. Nahas ceased his sponsorship of the club in October. Osborne's only comment on the matter was: ''I'm not [currently] driving a sponsor's car.''

In response to allegations he owed players money, he said: ''I don't owe any player any money. Justin Poore is owed money by a marquee sponsor and I'm attempting to help him get it.''

Osborne was tightlipped on major sponsor Glenn Duncan, who resigned from the Eels board in protest at Osborne's alleged misconduct. It's understood that Parramatta legend Ray Price has been sounded out about replacing Duncan as a director, although former players Nathan Cayless and Eric Grothe snr may also be in the reckoning. However, Osborne was more forthcoming on the critics of the club.

''I've been in politics but the forces that attack this board and individuals - the agendas, the constant attacks, the rumours that abound on a daily basis - stagger me. I've never witnessed anything like it. This current board … has done a wonderful job in turning the club around, the leagues club in particular. To be constantly attacked, in my view, is grossly unfair. But that's life at Parramatta.

''While ever forces in the background want to run their agendas, it's always going to be a tough gig.''

It was Osborne's decision to sack coach Daniel Anderson, with a year remaining on his contract, and replace him with New Zealand mentor Stephen Kearney. The Eels subsequently finished the 2011 season a whisker away from the wooden spoon. Asked if the club was in a better position for the switch, Osborne replied: ''We've got the best coach we could ever possibly get. I would make that decision 100 times out of 100. It's not a reflection on Daniel, it's just a reflection on Steve.

''I think Steve is a long-term future superstar coach and we're assembling the type of players we need to get a premiership.''

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...-eels-chief-20111022-1mdl1.html#ixzz1bW9Y4ELy

 

[Gronk]

Parramatta Eels chief executive Paul Osborne could cost the club funding from their major sponsor Pirtek

• by: David Riccio
• From: The Sunday Telegraph
• October 23, 2011 12:00AM

PARRAMATTA chief executive Paul Osborne claims he will fight to keep his job despite the threat of major backer Pirtek pulling $2 million in sponsorship if he isn't sacked.

Osborne is under investigation by the club following a series of allegations, including financial irregularities and harassment of staff, putting his future at the club in jeopardy.
It has been reported that a decision on Osborne's future could be sealed at a scheduled board meeting on Tuesday.
But The Sunday Telegraph has learned that Osborne won't be there.
Despite maintaining his innocence and defiance in the wake of the ever-increasing storm, Osborne will remain on annual leave, with the board likely to take two weeks to determine his fate.
Osborne told The Sunday Telegraph: "I have every confidence that I've acted in accordance with the terms and conditions of my employee contract. I have no plans to stand down and look forward to clearing my name."

Osborne was reluctant to expand on any of the allegations levelled against him as he is in the process of filing a defamation case against several individuals in the wake of the investigation.
Glenn Duncan, the CEO of Pirtek and a director of Parramatta Rugby League Club, resigned over the board's failure to take action against Osborne.
Duncan's decision to stand down was also made in a bid to distance himself and the multi-million dollar company from the serious allegations being laid against Osborne.
He has remained silent since his resignation 13 days ago, refusing to comment publicly on the intricate details of why he stood down.
However, it's believed Pirtek, a major sponsor of the Eels since 2005, is reviewing its long-standing commercial arrangement with the club following the allegations linked to Osborne.
Pirtek has poured close to $10 million over the past nine years - $1 million annually - into the Parramatta club.
With the Eels on track to record a loss of about $2.5 million, Pirtek's departure could place a serious strain on the club coffers.
Asked what impact the departure of Pirtek would have on the club, Osborne said: "Ultimately the club, its supporters and its members are bigger than any one individual, so that is out my control."
Pirtek is contracted to the Eels as the club's major jersey sponsor until the end of 2013.
However, it's understood the hugely successful company has the ability to sever ties with the club if it chooses.
Duncan, a passionate supporter of the club and shrewd businessman, is said to be torn by the decision, but believes the Eels board must undergo an overhaul, which includes the sacking of Osborne, if they are to be successful.
Former players are concerned about the impact this will have on the team as the Eels look to rebound from an awful 2011 season.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/n...r-sponsor-pirtek/story-e6frfgbo-1226173941938

 

[mickdo]

Parramatta Eels chief executive Paul Osborne could cost the club funding from their major sponsor Pirtek

...
However, it's believed Pirtek, a major sponsor of the Eels since 2005, is reviewing its long-standing commercial arrangement with the club following the allegations linked to Osborne.

LOL, classic media invention

 

[mickdo]

You missed one. Some interesting bits in this, but how much is true, goodness knows:

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/a-65m-sponsorship-waiting-in-wings-if-pirtek-pulls-pin-on-parra-20111022-1mdio.html

PARRAMATTA have a major sponsor ready to fill the breach with a massive deal worth $6.5 million over five years should Pirtek part company with the club.

The Sun-Herald has learned a current Eels backer is prepared to immediately up the ante in what would be the most lucrative deal in the NRL. Pirtek is contracted as Parramatta's major sponsor for a further two years, but its commitment is clouded after the company's boss, Glenn Duncan, resigned as an Eels director over the alleged misconduct of club chief executive Paul Osborne. Osborne says he has done nothing wrong and has welcomed the board's investigation.

It is understood Pirtek initially signed as an Eels sponsor at $350,000 a season, but that figure was boosted to $950,000 a year when the current board swept to power in 2009. ''Should an opportunity arise … and Pirtek decide this is not for them, [a new major sponsor] is hot on the spot to go,'' an Eels director said. ''This is worth about another $400,000 a year, so over five years that's worth an extra $2 million. We think [the sponsorship is worth more] given the publicity and air time that we get.''
Advertisement: Story continues below

The board member said Pirtek would be given every opportunity to fulfil its contract. ''Absolutely. Provided they are happy to continue. But if not, we've got some indicative arrangements.''

Osborne said he was hopeful Pirtek would honour its commitment. ''That's a decision for Glenn and Pirtek,'' he said. ''I would prefer for [parting ways] not to happen. But if it does, it does, and I'm sure we'll find a new sponsor.''

As recently as the May board elections, Duncan endorsed the incumbent directors, sending a letter to members encouraging them to re-elect the board in its entirety, saying they had the ingredients for a ''powerful recipe for success''.

''What the current board has achieved in such a short period of time [24 months] clearly demonstrates their ability to direct and assist senior management in meeting this [club's needs] well into the future,'' Duncan wrote.

The board responded to claims the club was in turmoil with a statement, which read: ''The issues relating to Mr Osborne were brought to the board's attention and are being dealt with. The issue involving a staff member has been investigated, and reported to the board fully. Confidential negotiations are continuing with that staff member. A number of the revelations … related to Mr Osborne are personal to him and apparently occurred many years ago.

''Board issues are discussed and resolved in cabinet. It is disappointing to find our deliberations not only leaked, but inaccurately leaked. For example, the fact the chairman had made a personal loan to Mr Osborne had been disclosed by the chairman to directors shortly after that loan was made. The chairman reminded the board of that fact during its deliberations concerning the chief executive and abstained from voting, in consequence. It is disappointing a director chose to resign before the issues of concern to him have been finalised by the board. The chairman asked him to remain in office, at least until that time.

''The board is confident that issues brought before it have, and are, being dealt with in a satisfactory and professional manner and all decisions have been in the best interest of the club. The board … is happy to be judged by the outcomes it delivers.''

The current board has helped the Parramatta club turn a $9.5 million loss into a $7.5 million profit since coming to power.

 

[Gronk]

LOL at this farcical situation.

It's almost if they are daring Pirtek to walk.

''Should an opportunity arise … and Pirtek decide this is not for them, [a new major sponsor] is hot on the spot to go,'' an Eels director said. ''This is worth about another $400,000 a year, so over five years that's worth an extra $2 million. We think [the sponsorship is worth more] given the publicity and air time that we get.''

Oh the irony. The Board's press release says

'Board issues are discussed and resolved in cabinet. It is disappointing to find our deliberations not only leaked

Yet the same article uses an anonymous Board member

an Eels director said

FFS

 

[Gronk]

''I've been in politics but the forces that attack this board and individuals - the agendas, the constant attacks, the rumours that abound on a daily basis - stagger me.

Is this a cryptic hint. Is our Stagger the protagonist in the shadows ?

 

[Stagger eel]

no comment...except to say, f**k I'm loving this coffee right now!

 

[eel4life]

http://www.watoday.com.au/rugby-lea...ing-wrong-says-eels-chief-20111022-1mdl1.html

PARRAMATTA chief executive Paul Osborne is adamant he has ''done nothing wrong'' and believes his future at the club will ultimately be decided by the wishes of his family.


The declaration comes as sources told The Sun-Herald that Osborne borrowed money from chairman Roy Spagnolo to assist a long-retired former player who was suffering financial hardship.


Osborne refused to discuss the matters being investigated by the club - including allegations of financial irregularities and harassment of staff made against him - on the advice of his legal representatives Stuart Littlemore, QC, and Yves Hazan. In his final interview before the conclusion of the investigation, Osborne opened up on his critics, spoke about his personal life and said he was the victim in a Byron Bay property deal which went sour.


''I've done nothing wrong,'' Osborne said. ''I've got every confidence that I've acted in accordance with the terms and conditions of my employment contract. I believe I have a good relationship with my team and staff and it's been a very happy workplace up until the last fortnight. I have great faith in the people who work for me.


''My understanding is the investigation will be thorough, which is terrific. I'm looking forward to it.''


Asked if the club was better off without him, Osborne replied: ''Am I better off without the club? First and foremost I've got to clear my name. But ultimately when that's done - and I love the club - I'll be making a decision going forward that's in the best interests of my children. They're the ones who have suffered


the most. I'm committed to the place, I'm having some holidays, which I need. I'm up for [the job]. The question is whether my family is.''
The former premiership-winning prop said recent events had put a strain on his family. ''I'd like to make some comments in relation to my personal life,'' he said. ''It's obviously been a very trying time for us personally and we're trying to work our way through it as a family. My wife and I were separated for a period of time, over 12 months. That was obviously something very private to us and we're very protective of our children.
''At the moment we're working through a number of issues together. I would just ask that people would respect our privacy as we work through that.''


Osborne's financial situation has been made public, including the recent purchase of a holiday home in Byron Bay. Asked how a club boss could afford a $1.9 million retreat, he replied: ''It's a great house but I can't afford it. It's up for sale.


''Clearly it's placed pressure on us financially. I bought the property in Byron Bay when undertakings were taken on rent and other things that weren't met. I'm dealing with the office of fair trading and with the police in relation to the matter and that's all I can say at this time. The real estate agent in question has been stripped of her licence subject to an inquiry. We're assisting [inquiries].''


One of the allegations levelled against Osborne is the use of a sponsor's car. It's understood that the former ACT politician introduced his friend, Joe Nahas, as an Eels sponsor and that Nahas lent Osborne a car last year when his was written off. Nahas ceased his sponsorship of the club in October. Osborne's only comment on the matter was: ''I'm not [currently] driving a sponsor's car.''


In response to allegations he owed players money, he said: ''I don't owe any player any money. Justin Poore is owed money by a marquee sponsor and I'm attempting to help him get it.''


Osborne was tightlipped on major sponsor Glenn Duncan, who resigned from the Eels board in protest at Osborne's alleged misconduct. It's understood that Parramatta legend Ray Price has been sounded out about replacing Duncan as a director, although former players Nathan Cayless and Eric Grothe snr may also be in the reckoning. However, Osborne was more forthcoming on the critics of the club.


''I've been in politics but the forces that attack this board and individuals - the agendas, the constant attacks, the rumours that abound on a daily basis - stagger me. I've never witnessed anything like it. This current board … has done a wonderful job in turning the club around, the leagues club in particular. To be constantly attacked, in my view, is grossly unfair. But that's life at Parramatta.


''While ever forces in the background want to run their agendas, it's always going to be a tough gig.''


It was Osborne's decision to sack coach Daniel Anderson, with a year remaining on his contract, and replace him with New Zealand mentor Stephen Kearney. The Eels subsequently finished the 2011 season a whisker away from the wooden spoon. Asked if the club was in a better position for the switch, Osborne replied: ''We've got the best coach we could ever possibly get. I would make that decision 100 times out of 100. It's not a reflection on Daniel, it's just a reflection on Steve.


''I think Steve is a long-term future superstar coach and we're assembling the type of players we need to get a premiership.''

​