Ram, I can see where you are coming from totally.
I believed Tony would be in line for the CEO job once 3P won, As soon as 3P announced their Leagues Club ticket, Why? Because I was told it would happen from one of their candidates. I had no real problem with that, Indeed I have know Tony for a number of years and spoken to him at length on many club issues that I have then been asked to bring to this forum.
I remember sitting with Tony before a Saturday night game about 2 or so years ago when the Past Players function was on at the Leagues Club, that was the year the player numbers were instituted, many of our past players came and sat with Tony and myself and had a chat, one of them is a board member at the LC and FC now but wasn't at the time. Tony has great contacts through the club and for his efforts at Parramatta I thank and praise him.
However, if Tony were to become CEO of the Football club now, I think you would find that the amount of stitch we have received today would be nothing compared to the Holly sh*t storm that would be rained down on us for weeks on end. I agree that while the Chairman's comments may indeed have been sticking up for a mate and offering an olive branch, I think doing so publicly is a faux par.
I agree with Colonel, get a Head Hunting Company involved and get them to get the candidates then get the Board to Interview them.