In fairness, we weren't doing well financially in 05, 10 and 11.
No clubs made a profit back then and memberships weren't really a thing back then either.
Since the club grant covers the players salary plaus a couple of mill on top - there isn't really an excuse for any club not to make a profit.
If we had of had the success of a club like the Roosters, we would have memberships of at least double say 40-50k
@Garry do you think that's an exaggeration?
I mean we have 20k membership after making the finals 3 times in 23 years
I dunno I think you overestimate the amount of pile-on should we have a few good seasons.
In 2023 the top disclosed membership club is Broncos with 37K. Eels have 32K - they would be a fairly good example of a club turning their fortunes around within the past decade. Souths have 31K members, and I think that includes voting rights.
I think Tigers would be doing extremely well to get into the early to mid 30K for members, even after a sustained run of success. I think what you are actually seeing is the bedrock of Tigers support is about 20K people, same as Melbourne Storm have, and that bedrock isn't particularly dependent on results. I don't know if you would find another 20K+ fans willing to sign up as members just because we are winning; I think it would be more like 10-15K max increase.
I don't think any club has ever breached 40K members in a year, definitely not 50K, not even Broncos with a guaranteed home Friday night game every few weeks, plus local derbies and great a football stadium right in town.
You
A strong Chairman would actually go a long way to righting the ship in the absence of a restructure.
What you find in organisations which aren't working is that:
- the board don't feel like they have control, and all decisions are being made within the organisation under CEO
- while the CEO doesn't feel like they have control, and a limited by the decision making ability of the board.
To add on top of that, at WT our board is chaired by independent who doesn't have control of power, as the board is controled by the HB board who comes from the WA board/membership.
Under that structure no one person feels like they have full control of the club - and so no one person can enact difficult changes.
Instead the system takes over.
Top 8 2023
If you haven't hear this interview already, I'd encourage you to hear how the Roosters board operates. Mark Bouris compares their board to an un-named Sydeny club (which WT fit the bill).
1. He makes very clear that Uncle Nick runs the club - the board are their solely to support Uncle Nick - no decision goes to the board, which isn't already decided
2. Board members are their to provide their expertise to benefit the club
3. Board members provide mentorship and advice to players that set them up for life - needs to be a plus for recruitment
4. The board know what's happening on the ground and within the club - the players and staff know who they are and they get involved
5. The one board for the club and leagues club/golf club etc
When you talk about accountability- at the Roosters Uncle Nick runs the whole show - he is accountable and nothing happens without Uncle Nick's approval
Top 8 2023
Further to the above - I have a family friend that played NRL a few years back. Was a consistent FGer for several years - not very high profile or rep level.
About a decade ago, he was off contract and was wooed by the Roosters and a few other teams (not the Tigers). The levels that the Roosters went to were phenomenal - and this for a solid FGer and no more. Didn't even make the media from memory.
Dinner with Politis, liaising with the likes of Mark Bouris and David Gyngell etc, as well as the usual catch up with captain and coach.
Didn't end up signing with them due to some off field priorities, but he still talks about how they made him feel like a king for a few weeks.
There'd be a few other clubs with similar big hitters spruiking their wares nowadays, we'd be lagging I suspect.
Maybe we can get Anthony from the Wiggles to take potential recruits' children behind the scenes for an afternoon.
Wests Tigers is delighted to announce the appointment of former Western Suburbs player, John Dorahy, to the club’s Board of Directors.
Dorahy takes up the position vacated by Simon Cook, who has stepped down after seven years of service to the club.
Dorahy enjoyed a highly decorated playing career amassing 239 first grade games across 18 seasons, including 102 for the Magpies between 1974 and 1979. He also has a wealth of experience in coaching, having coached for six seasons in the UK Super League, at Wigan and Warrington.
John also brings significant business acumen to the club, having served on several boards, including Wollongong City Council, Leagues Clubs Australia, Wests Leagues Illawarra and Venues NSW.
Dorahy says he’s very proud to take up a position on the Wests Tigers Board.
“This club has a profound impact on the community, and I am thrilled and honoured to be joining as a Director,” said Dorahy.
“I grew up following the Tigers and then played for the Magpies, so there is a very strong connection with me and this club.
“I believe I can bring my experience as a former sportsman and businessman to benefit the club on many levels.
“I look forward to working with the Board and Chair Lee Hagipantelis, CEO Justin Pascoe, and the whole organisation as we strive for success on and off the field.”
Cook says he has made the decision to step down due to ‘workload’ and a ‘need for change’.
“I have made the decision to step aside as a director of Wests Tigers,” said Cook.
“The workload in my position as CEO of the Holman Barnes Group has increased to such a level, that I don’t believe I can commit to the time required to fulfil my obligations and duty as part of the Board.
“I also believe that Wests Tigers needs change and regeneration; it is time for Wests Tigers to look to new people with the right skill set who can provide the Club with the success our loyal fans deserve.
“In my opinion, John Dorahy is the perfect start to this change.
“I would like to thank everyone involved at Wests Tigers for their support in my time as a director.”
A very interesting turn of events indeed. So glad Cook has stepped down. Now if we can only get the chairman to do the same…John Dorahy joins Wests Tigers Board of Directors
Does John D joining provide enough of a change for people? Interested to hear.
That sounds a bit like Neil Armstrong's famous lunar landing quote,One small step in the right direction.
"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
Or was it better said by Gough Whitlam's campaign slogan, "It's time"
Let's just use the podcast slogan, "kick em all into touch"
Great to see some movement at Board level.
Strange Lee as chairman wasn't quoted?
The ones that step down like Simon Cook have are the good ones as they are making room for change at board level.
The ones that stay glued to their seat are the ones to look at.
Glad Simon acknowledged the need for change at Board level - but again I wish that came from Leee with a clear signal that there was a strategic view to provide better skills and representation at Board level
Top 8 2023
Does John D joining provide enough of a change for people? Interested to hear.
Not for me. I dont think the replacement of any one person in managment will make the difference, regardless of who it is. Its possible that changing everyone in management wouldn't make a positive change unless you have the structures necessary in place which I dont believe we do.
Having said that, I think Joe Cool is a good addition in that he has business experience and football experience. As I previously said, its a small step in the right direction. The only worry I have is that this is the board attempting to placate the peasants by putting lipstick on the pig.
Great to see some movement at Board level.
Strange Lee as chairman wasn't quoted?
The ones that step down like Simon Cook have are the good ones as they are making room for change at board level.
The ones that stay glued to their seat are the ones to look at.
Glad Simon acknowledged the need for change at Board level - but again I wish that came from Leee with a clear signal that there was a strategic view to provide better skills and representation at Board level
Correct on all points IMO
“I also believe that Wests Tigers needs change and regeneration; it is time for Wests Tigers to look to new people with the right skill set who can provide the Club with the success our loyal fans deserve.
“In my opinion, John Dorahy is the perfect start to this change.
Interesting that they've volunteered that this is the 'start' of change. Let's see where it goes.
Promising that they finally realise that change is needed, but that's a very low bar to clear.
Glad to see some shifting at this level, hopefully for the better and the start of real change.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
It’s a step in the right direction but there needs to be a few more. If it’s the only step then no.Does John D joining provide enough of a change for people? Interested to hear.
