I don’t really see the basis for the NRL or the government to step in. The NRL stepped in about 10yrs ago because Balmain couldn’t repay their loan. At that time the NRL required a shake up of the board and introduction of an independent chair and board members. Subsequent to that Wests Ashfield bought out Balmains ownership interest and basically undid the reforms that were introduced by the NRL. In and of itself it isn’t a problem that Wests, as owner, has stacked the Wests Tigers board (given they own the club) but it becomes a problem for fans and other stakeholders when the decisions of Wests Ashfield (and their delegates) make the NRL club unsuccessful. The problem I have as a fan now is that I think my club is being run by incompetent people. Given the governance structures selected by Wests Ashfield that means that in practice I have zero say in how the club should be run and zero ability to influence change. Literally the only thing that I can change at Wests Tigers is to withdraw my financial support for the club (modest as that may be) in the hope that if enough members did the same it may for the owner to acknowledge that changes need to be made. In reality, when the NRL gives each clubs a grant that is $5m bigger than the salary cap, it is virtually impossible to send a club bankrupt these days no matter how incompetent.
one last point. It was Barry O’Farrell who was chairman when the centre of excellence was funded by the government. Pascoe has been dining out on the COE as evidence of his success but my guess is it was Barry who was more important when it came time to get money out of the state and federal liberal parties.
Did you read the article?
“All of this would not be possible without the drive and passion from Justin Pascoe and the Wests Tigers Board over the past couple of years. They have all worked extremely hard to secure the this final piece and ensure the club’s long-term future, and growth. We are all delighted with today’s announcement."
I don’t really see the basis for the NRL or the government to step in. The NRL stepped in about 10yrs ago because Balmain couldn’t repay their loan. At that time the NRL required a shake up of the board and introduction of an independent chair and board members. Subsequent to that Wests Ashfield bought out Balmains ownership interest and basically undid the reforms that were introduced by the NRL. In and of itself it isn’t a problem that Wests, as owner, has stacked the Wests Tigers board (given they own the club) but it becomes a problem for fans and other stakeholders when the decisions of Wests Ashfield (and their delegates) make the NRL club unsuccessful. The problem I have as a fan now is that I think my club is being run by incompetent people. Given the governance structures selected by Wests Ashfield that means that in practice I have zero say in how the club should be run and zero ability to influence change. Literally the only thing that I can change at Wests Tigers is to withdraw my financial support for the club (modest as that may be) in the hope that if enough members did the same it may for the owner to acknowledge that changes need to be made. In reality, when the NRL gives each clubs a grant that is $5m bigger than the salary cap, it is virtually impossible to send a club bankrupt these days no matter how incompetent.
one last point. It was Barry O’Farrell who was chairman when the centre of excellence was funded by the government. Pascoe has been dining out on the COE as evidence of his success but my guess is it was Barry who was more important when it came time to get money out of the state and federal liberal parties.
It wasn't so much that Balmain was broke that led to the NRL intervening. Balmain decided to borrow the money from the NRL, Wests Ashfield were also offering to provide a loan. The board seats were a condition of the loan to Balmain from the NRL. When Balmain were unable to repay the loan to the NRL Wests Ashfield bought out a large chunk of Balmain's share in the Wests Tigers in exchange for paying out the loan to the NRL
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
I don’t really see the basis for the NRL or the government to step in. The NRL stepped in about 10yrs ago because Balmain couldn’t repay their loan. At that time the NRL required a shake up of the board and introduction of an independent chair and board members. Subsequent to that Wests Ashfield bought out Balmains ownership interest and basically undid the reforms that were introduced by the NRL. In and of itself it isn’t a problem that Wests, as owner, has stacked the Wests Tigers board (given they own the club) but it becomes a problem for fans and other stakeholders when the decisions of Wests Ashfield (and their delegates) make the NRL club unsuccessful. The problem I have as a fan now is that I think my club is being run by incompetent people. Given the governance structures selected by Wests Ashfield that means that in practice I have zero say in how the club should be run and zero ability to influence change. Literally the only thing that I can change at Wests Tigers is to withdraw my financial support for the club (modest as that may be) in the hope that if enough members did the same it may for the owner to acknowledge that changes need to be made. In reality, when the NRL gives each clubs a grant that is $5m bigger than the salary cap, it is virtually impossible to send a club bankrupt these days no matter how incompetent.
one last point. It was Barry O’Farrell who was chairman when the centre of excellence was funded by the government. Pascoe has been dining out on the COE as evidence of his success but my guess is it was Barry who was more important when it came time to get money out of the state and federal liberal parties.
Did you read the article?
“All of this would not be possible without the drive and passion from Justin Pascoe and the Wests Tigers Board over the past couple of years. They have all worked extremely hard to secure the this final piece and ensure the club’s long-term future, and growth. We are all delighted with today’s announcement."
yes I did. But when your chairman is the recent Liberal premier it tends to open doors. I’m not saying Pascoe wasn’t involved I’m just saying O’farrel likely played an important role
I’d like to have a chair that has more independence. Someone who leaves the CEO to do his/her thing on a daily basis. Someone who can wine and dine those who are important to the club (externally) and ensures that good governance, policies and procedures are followed.
A statesman who quietly goes about his business and avoids the spotlight.
The fact we appear to have the total opposite of this is a major concern.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
I don’t really see the basis for the NRL or the government to step in. The NRL stepped in about 10yrs ago because Balmain couldn’t repay their loan. At that time the NRL required a shake up of the board and introduction of an independent chair and board members. Subsequent to that Wests Ashfield bought out Balmains ownership interest and basically undid the reforms that were introduced by the NRL. In and of itself it isn’t a problem that Wests, as owner, has stacked the Wests Tigers board (given they own the club) but it becomes a problem for fans and other stakeholders when the decisions of Wests Ashfield (and their delegates) make the NRL club unsuccessful. The problem I have as a fan now is that I think my club is being run by incompetent people. Given the governance structures selected by Wests Ashfield that means that in practice I have zero say in how the club should be run and zero ability to influence change. Literally the only thing that I can change at Wests Tigers is to withdraw my financial support for the club (modest as that may be) in the hope that if enough members did the same it may for the owner to acknowledge that changes need to be made. In reality, when the NRL gives each clubs a grant that is $5m bigger than the salary cap, it is virtually impossible to send a club bankrupt these days no matter how incompetent.
one last point. It was Barry O’Farrell who was chairman when the centre of excellence was funded by the government. Pascoe has been dining out on the COE as evidence of his success but my guess is it was Barry who was more important when it came time to get money out of the state and federal liberal parties.
Did you read the article?
“All of this would not be possible without the drive and passion from Justin Pascoe and the Wests Tigers Board over the past couple of years. They have all worked extremely hard to secure the this final piece and ensure the club’s long-term future, and growth. We are all delighted with today’s announcement."
yes I did. But when your chairman is the recent Liberal premier it tends to open doors. I’m not saying Pascoe wasn’t involved I’m just saying O’farrel likely played an important role
But you did say...."Pascoe has been dining out on the COE as evidence of his success but"...based on an article that literally says it wouldnt have happened without Pascoe. Like Ive said many times, there is plenty to criticise him and management for without jumping at things that dont exist.
@tiger5150 tbh I was lamenting what an embarrassment that Lee is as chair and I was thinking about why he is even there and I remembered O’Farrell preceded him and that he was there when the COE was funded. Pascoe no doubt did a lot of work also and credit where it is due. But that was 2019 and the club is definitely headed in the wrong direction. Im struggling to think of anything that the Lee/Pascoe era has achieved.
The parallels between WT and STkilda are many, but in particular the decision of both clubs to go back the future with former great coaches in Tim Sheens and Ross Lyon.
Only difference is WT are at the bottom of the ladder and STKilda have moved to the top.
Interesting read on how StKildas chairman reviewed the clubs structure and gave the keys to Lyon
Top 8 2023
@mike I like your proposal Mike!
The the roles of CFO, COO and GM Football reporting to the CEO makes complete sense.
It should be noted we have none of these roles atm. Tim is coach and GM Football, while Justin effectively is COO & CFO.
Regarding board. I wonder if HBG would give full control to an independent board?
I think they either need to give full control to independent board or take full control themselves. At the moment it's in no man's land and no clear who is ultimately in control.
Top 8 2023
I don’t expect any of it to happen.@mike I like your proposal Mike!
The the roles of CFO, COO and GM Football reporting to the CEO makes complete sense.
It should be noted we have none of these roles atm. Tim is coach and GM Football, while Justin effectively is COO & CFO.
Regarding board. I wonder if HBG would give full control to an independent board?
I think they either need to give full control to independent board or take full control themselves. At the moment it's in no man's land and no clear who is ultimately in control.
I just was just responding to @garry asking “What structure would you like to see for the board Mike?” That’s the structure I’d like, but I doubt very much that it would ever happen.
Mr Hagipantelis saying
"everyone in the club is absolutely committed and qualified to fulfil their roles" Well that means their stuffups are worse then. If it was the fault of ill qualified staff it could be excused and you simply replace them... simple.
The buck has to stop somewhere because all the board members and staff are top shelf employees...are they?
Then he says "we haven't enjoyed any semblance of success over the last few years"
Well, few means a couple doesn't it? How's that standing up Mr Mr Hagipantelis.
Our failures stems further back from just a couple of years. More lip service treating supporters as dummies.
Mr Hagipantelis often says we are doing things right and eventually things will come good....what if it doesn't and how much longer do we have to endure this pain. As long as Luke Brook's time in the 7 jersey I guess.
Please let there be an Easter miracle tomorrow, I'm running out of black, gold and white blood.
My God…. Burn it all down
Worrying, and not just him on that board.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
My God…. Burn it all down
Could of been worse - could of appointed him Chairman of Wests Tigers.
But seriously, the board would know the critism the fans and media make (and if they don't that's a bigger issue) - so in appointing burgess as chairman of wests - it's like they are now sticking their finger up at everyone.
Top 8 2023
Ive been thinking of late about the management of the Tigers and in particular (I think) Steve and others good point about the attention to detail within the management and how IMO all of these little errors (Benjis details, ANZAC jerseys, 10y membership, just about anything the club puts its hands on lately) roll over into the bigger, what I call macro areas like retention and recruitment, coach appointment etc etc. I think its pretty clear that these things all tie together into an organisation that is broken by a thousand little cracks and is now at a point where it doesnt even know where to start to turn itself around.
Many many fingers are understandably pointing at the CEO, Justin Pascoe and many have understandably lamented the horrible, inflexible and impractical board structure. IMO this is all misplaced. As impractical and inflexible our board is, it is still the board and responsible for overseeing the whole. Because of this, IMO the responsibility rests on the Chairman of the board, which is Lee. Nothing to do with his habit of commenting where he shouldnt, but because it is literally his job to lead the board and he should be looking at the organisation as a whole and seeing the broken links and addressing it.
As Ive said many times in this thread, the answer is not simply to sack Pascoe, but the board should be sacking Pascoe and then reviewing the best structure going forward, setting in stone the best way move forward and then appoint the best and brightest people to fill those positions, including the CEO.
If I was Lee, I would be appointing a KPMG or similar for a true independent review as recommended by Steve, then announce that ALL positions (probably above coaches and players) are vacant and incumbents can re-apply for their old positions but the positions might be changed as part of the revised structure and the incumbents can compete against new and headhunted applicants.
None of this will happen, but that is actually the Chairmans role.
I would be appointing a KPMG or similar for a true independent review as recommended by Steve, then announce that ALL positions (probably above coaches and players) are vacant and incumbents can re-apply for their old positions but the positions might be changed as part of the revised structure and the incumbents can compete against new and headhunted applicants.
This is exactly what I want to see happened and mentioned it on the pod recently. I would love to see an independent review of the entire club (including at board level) completed that would hopefully lead to our board members chosen by a professional recruitment process, preferably ran by an outside agency with consultation from the ownership of the club (Holman Barnes Group).
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
