sharks_4_06
Juniors
- Messages
- 94
DENIS Fitzgerald's 30-year hold over Parramatta is in tatters tonight after his enemies from rebel group 3P stole control of the leagues club and NRL side in an election romp.
None of the current directors survived a bloodbath of unprecedented proportions, with all seven 3P nominees securing full control of the board and Fitzgerald's future. The rout all but ends the career of one of the most colourful and controversial figures in rugby league history.
The club's dire financial position, on-field woes and Chinese "votes for vouchers" scandal combined to send the current board packing in a poll that saw more than 2000 members head to the ballot box.
The rebels will not officially assume control of the board until Tuesday week's AGM, but property developer Roy Spagnolo was immediately touted as new chairman.
Most interest, however, will centre on the CEO's post. Fitzgerald could be sacked as early as next week and while The Daily Telegraph understands Fitzgerald is on an annual wage of $400,000 and is in the middle of a five-year contract, a clause in his contract states that the board can terminate his deal immediately by paying him a year's wages.
Related Links
There are already suggestions the new board may consider selling the Viking Sports Club - an asset of Parramatta Leagues - to help with the probable Fitzgerald payout.
Although all seven 3P nominees were endorsed, two - Joe Saad and Robert Sassen - had to be sacrificed because of a constitutional loophole that states two members of the football club board must also represent the leagues club.
That meant Geoff Gerard and Ron Hilditch are on the board for now, but the rebels are already planning to dump them at the AGM on May 5. Fitzgerald has waged a very public battle with the rebels, in particular club legend Ray Price.
Fitzgerald has a dual role as chief executive of the Leagues Club and the football club. He threw a lavish party last year to celebrate his 30 years in the job. Now he is refusing to quit, given it could jeopardise any payout.
Sharks chief executive Tony Zappia has been mentioned as a possible replacement as football club CEO should Fitzgerald be sacked.
Zappia, the former Parramatta football manager, does not have a contract with the Sharks.
The new board would have to determine whether one man takes over from Fitzgerald or find two replacements - one for the leagues club, the other for the football club.
Asked whether he could work with the new board, dominated by 3P, Fitzgerald said: "Sure, I will work with anyone who the members have voted onto the board.
"I feel disappointed for the hard-working directors who missed out.
"Now, though, I have to turn my attention to working with the new team of directors.
"I just have to get on with my job and work with the new directors in continuing to improve the club."
Asked whether he would be sacked, Fitzgerald told The Daily Telegraph: "That's not for me to answer."
And then asked whether he would quit, Fitzgerald said: "No, not at all. I believe I have plenty to offer and am up for the challenge."
Fitzgerald pinpointed why he thought the results were so lop-sided.
"Because of the biggest financial loss in the club's history and the fact the Parramatta Eels aren't doing well," he said.
One source close to the Eels said: "I guess they have to (sack Fitzgerald). They have painted themselves into a corner."
