Themis
27-05-08, 05:52 AM
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23764172-5012431,00.html
Stuart Honeysett and Angus Hohenboken | May 27, 2008
ONE of the highest-profile partnerships in Australian sport appears to have dissolved, with South Sydney executive chairman Peter Holmes a Court relinquishing control of the NRL club's board in the face of growing discontent from team co-owner Russell Crowe.
Souths co-owners Russell Crowe, left, and Peter Holmes a Court at a match earlier this month. Picture: Gregg Porteous
At a five-hour meeting of club directors at Crowe's apartment in Woolloomooloo, in Sydney's inner-east yesterday, Mr Holmes a Court stood down to be replaced by Nicholas Pappas, the Sydney-based solicitor who spearheaded the club's push to be reinstated to the competition in 2002 following a two-year absence.
Two years ago, Crowe and Mr Holmes a Court formed a powerful alliance, winning the support of members to buy a 75 per cent stake in the foundation club and save it from extinction.
At that point, it appeared nothing could come between the two friends. They were often photographer together at games with their families as they cheered the Rabbitohs from cellar-dwellers to finalists last season.
There has been speculation the relationship began to sour after club excesses - Armani suits and five-star cuisine for the players and a percussion cheer group to entertain home crowds - last year contributed to a $4million loss in Souths' first year of operation under the new owners.
Crowe was also believed to be unhappy with the increasing profile of Mr Holmes a Court as the team struggled for results on the field, including being featured on the cover of a Sydney magazine.
After making the finals last year for the first time since their reinstatement, Souths have managed only one win this season and lie in last place. They are heavily favoured for the wooden spoon.
Mr Holmes a Court, the son of former West Australian entrepreneur Robert Homes a Court, did not improve the relationship last week when he guaranteed Souths' future in the competition.
Mr Holmes a Court declined to comment to The Australian yesterday but, in a club statement, he said he would continue to support the club.
"I remain a director, a very long-term shareholder and a member ready to support the team this Sunday at ANZ Stadium," he said. "I am proud to have worked with a united board for the last two years, proud to have given my time and investment to this great club, and honoured to have been chairman for our first finals appearance in 18 years."
Other key personnel changes at the club included former Souths chief executive Shane Richardson being reinstated to his job to try to turn around the organisation's flagging fortunes.
Veteran coach John Lang - who won a premiership with Richardson at Penrith in 2003 - was lured out of retirement to take on a consultancy role at the club.
Always the showman, Crowe yesterday pinched a well-used line from author Mark Twain over reports the Rabbitohs were a financial basket case.
"The reports of our demise have been greatly exaggerated," Crowe said.
"Today, the board applauded Peter's achievements in lifting the South Sydney club and collectively we thanked him for his gargantuan effort over the past two years.
"Right now, it's my belief that what South Sydney needs is the continuity, knowledge and experience that both Nick Pappas and Shane Richardson bring.
"Both men come from within the Souths family and both men understand intimately how to take advantage of the progress the club has made."
Stuart Honeysett and Angus Hohenboken | May 27, 2008
ONE of the highest-profile partnerships in Australian sport appears to have dissolved, with South Sydney executive chairman Peter Holmes a Court relinquishing control of the NRL club's board in the face of growing discontent from team co-owner Russell Crowe.
Souths co-owners Russell Crowe, left, and Peter Holmes a Court at a match earlier this month. Picture: Gregg Porteous
At a five-hour meeting of club directors at Crowe's apartment in Woolloomooloo, in Sydney's inner-east yesterday, Mr Holmes a Court stood down to be replaced by Nicholas Pappas, the Sydney-based solicitor who spearheaded the club's push to be reinstated to the competition in 2002 following a two-year absence.
Two years ago, Crowe and Mr Holmes a Court formed a powerful alliance, winning the support of members to buy a 75 per cent stake in the foundation club and save it from extinction.
At that point, it appeared nothing could come between the two friends. They were often photographer together at games with their families as they cheered the Rabbitohs from cellar-dwellers to finalists last season.
There has been speculation the relationship began to sour after club excesses - Armani suits and five-star cuisine for the players and a percussion cheer group to entertain home crowds - last year contributed to a $4million loss in Souths' first year of operation under the new owners.
Crowe was also believed to be unhappy with the increasing profile of Mr Holmes a Court as the team struggled for results on the field, including being featured on the cover of a Sydney magazine.
After making the finals last year for the first time since their reinstatement, Souths have managed only one win this season and lie in last place. They are heavily favoured for the wooden spoon.
Mr Holmes a Court, the son of former West Australian entrepreneur Robert Homes a Court, did not improve the relationship last week when he guaranteed Souths' future in the competition.
Mr Holmes a Court declined to comment to The Australian yesterday but, in a club statement, he said he would continue to support the club.
"I remain a director, a very long-term shareholder and a member ready to support the team this Sunday at ANZ Stadium," he said. "I am proud to have worked with a united board for the last two years, proud to have given my time and investment to this great club, and honoured to have been chairman for our first finals appearance in 18 years."
Other key personnel changes at the club included former Souths chief executive Shane Richardson being reinstated to his job to try to turn around the organisation's flagging fortunes.
Veteran coach John Lang - who won a premiership with Richardson at Penrith in 2003 - was lured out of retirement to take on a consultancy role at the club.
Always the showman, Crowe yesterday pinched a well-used line from author Mark Twain over reports the Rabbitohs were a financial basket case.
"The reports of our demise have been greatly exaggerated," Crowe said.
"Today, the board applauded Peter's achievements in lifting the South Sydney club and collectively we thanked him for his gargantuan effort over the past two years.
"Right now, it's my belief that what South Sydney needs is the continuity, knowledge and experience that both Nick Pappas and Shane Richardson bring.
"Both men come from within the Souths family and both men understand intimately how to take advantage of the progress the club has made."