Casey to fight rebel Tigers
By Jake Niall
realfooty.theage.com.au
September 9, 2004
In confirming his desire to remain at the helm at Tigerland, Richmond president Clinton Casey has taken a swipe at the "recycled" reform ticket led by former director Charles Macek.
Casey yesterday issued a statement in which he declared his intention to stay as president - ensuring Richmond members would face a full board election in December between the nine challengers and the board.
Casey said that the Richmond board, which met on Tuesday night, was "unified" despite claims from the Macek-Brendan Schwab group that the board was fractured in its support for the president.
While some board members have held discussions with Macek's group, none has moved across to the other camp. The rebels, who replaced Schwab with the more corporate-connected Macek as their prospective president, claim that only their group can bring the necessary unity to Punt Road.
Casey maintains it is not a time for the club to take "an unnecessary risk" by changing the board, adding that he did not think the Macek-led group represented the "suitable" people he was prepared to stand aside for.
"After consultation with fellow board members, as well as discussions with sponsors, coterie groups and members, I believe I have strong support as president," he said.
Casey said he stood by his promise to step aside if a more suitable candidate emerged, but added: "After reviewing the alternative ticket, I still believe that I am the most appropriate person to lead the club through such a delicate period. In regard to the new candidates on the ticket, I welcome the opportunity to meet anyone who believes they have something to offer. However, I don't believe this is the time for recycling former board members who had their chance to have an impact on the Club."
Macek served as a director under Leon Daphne's presidency and sought the presidency when Daphne resigned. Schwab, liquidation specialist Mike Humpris and former football director Peter Welsh - who like Schwab, resigned from the Casey board - are other "recycled" board candidates on the rebel ticket.
Casey said the club's "recovery" was on the way, with 50 professionals having committed $250,000 to part of a coterie group with access to new coach Terry Wallace and "several exciting sponsorship developments".
http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/09/08/1094530690368.html