Board challengers refusing to back downLAUREN WOOD
Herald Sun
7 September 2016RICHMOND’S board challengers say they “aren’t going away” despite making no progress on their call for the Tigers board led by president Peggy O’Neal to step down.
The Focus on Football ticket launched its assault on Monday but is yet to even speak with O’Neal or other Richmond officials after phone calls again went unanswered.
The group has threatened to force a board spill and election if O’Neal and Co do not leave of their own accord.
Group leader Martin Hiscock was defiant on Tuesday.
“What we plan to do is that myself and (fellow group members) Mag (Kearney) and probably Dr David Marsh would approach Peggy O’Neal in person and have a roundtable discussion with her and Brendon Gale about a smooth takeover,” Hiscock told the Herald Sun.
“That would involve all of our ticket going onto the Richmond Football Club board immediately.
“The whole board has to stand down, but we would then throw the nominations process open and of course we would consider some of the recent appointees to the board among the other aspirants.
“If she declines that ... we would progress then to an EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting).
“I think there’s a time and place (to do it). We’ll work things out between us. I’m sure she’ll respond in the right way — we’re all professionals.”
Richmond officials are considering whether they will meet with the group and could potentially accede to the call next week. The club’s best and fairest is tomorrow night.
Kearney claimed that the group has received “overwhelming support” since Monday’s launch, including from unnamed former Richmond players and board members
We’re not going to go away ... they can’t ignore us,” she said.
Kearney also said the group hoped to meet with Collingwood official Neil Balme this week after naming him as the key target for the position of “CEO of football”.
The group’s public relations strategy saw proposed football director Bryan Wood hit the airwaves, with the three-time premiership Tiger flagging Kevin Sheedy as the type of person it would look to install in an advisory role if it is successful.
“Kevin is quite ensconced and secure at Essendon, but if we can get that type of person back to Richmond to help bring about this success that we want — obviously, yes,” he said.
“Kevin is a great performer and that’s why Essendon got him back there — to help bring about unity.”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-board-challengers-are-refusing-to-back-down/news-story/7e77c03fd7e40f4cea538a1811ea2940