Tigers to claw out of debtCaroline Wilson, Gold Coast
November 18, 2010 RICHMOND is about to unveil a bold plan to not only eliminate its $4.5 million debt but to also build a war chest to launch the club as a frontline player in readiness for the introduction of free agency.
President Gary March and chief executive Brendon Gale are close to finalising launch details of a 12-month campaign which, according to March, would achieve one of Gale's ambitious platforms - to become debt-free - by the start of 2012.
''But just eradicating our debt is not good enough for us,'' March said. ''When free agency comes in we want to be an aggressive player in the marketplace. We see 2012-13-14 as years of great onfield opportunity for us.''
March, who faces a board election next month, has re-nominated for his position along with sitting candidates Peggy Hains and John Mathies. That trio has been challenged by Tigers coterie pair Phillip Anderson and Neil McKay. With the notice of the club's December annual general meeting to be served on Monday, president March will circulate a letter to members outlining his belief that he has moved two-thirds of the way towards his blueprint for the long-time struggling club. ''One key ambition was to bring good people to the club,'' said March. ''I believe we have done that. We have a wonderful facility about to be completed and we will also have a VFL-class oval with the removal of the wicket.
''Brendon and myself, with the support of the board, have been working for close to four months on a plan which we believe will secure our future. We are determined that Richmond will be in the best position financially to take on the competition.''
At the start of the 2010 season, Gale launched his 3075 five-year plan which was based around three finals appearances, no debt and 75,000 members by the end of 2014. The club is now convinced it will have achieved the debt removal well before that deadline.
Having recently struck a lucrative three-year deal to play the Gold Coast in Cairns each season until 2013, the Tigers scoffed yesterday at suggestions that Richmond might sell home games to Hobart's Bellerive Oval.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/tigers-to-claw-out-of-debt-20101117-17xkx.html
