Parramatta Eels - top of league for turmoil
14 Oct 10 @ 07:13am by Steven Deare
Parramatta Leagues chairman Roy Spagnolo. PICTURE: JOHN APPLEYARD
PARRAMATTA Leagues chairman Roy Spagnolo has defended the board from criticism of interference in player movement, the sacking of Daniel Anderson and high-ranking officials.
Spagnolo, whose ``3P ticket defeated previous chief executive Denis Fitzgeralds at the club elections in 2009, wrote to Leagues Club members to explain recent actions.
In his letter, Spagnolo said Andersons exit arose from a review of the football club by chief executive Paul Osborne and directors Geoff Gerard and Glenn Duncan, also Pirteks executive director.
Spagnolo said Anderson wanted his contract extended beyond next year or paid out.
The Eels decided on the latter.
Spagnolo said it was Andersons decision to release Krisnan Inu, Kris Keating and Feleti Mateo, and sign Reni Maitua, who is serving a drugs suspension, and Carl Webb.
``At no time was there any board interference, Spagnolo wrote.
His letter comes ahead of the football club elections in December and leagues club elections in April. Spagnolo also explained the dismissal of key staff at the club.
``It has been suggested that individuals employment contracts with the club have been terminated by the club as an act of revenge, presumably against Mr Fitzgerald, he said.
``Nothing could be further from the truth.
Spagnolo alleged many of the sacked staff were involved in a secret project using club resources and time to influence members to vote for Fitzgeralds ticket.
Sacked staff included Leagues Club chief executive Tullio Cofrancesco, chief operating officer John Kolc and corporate business manager Sharon Wilson.
