Manly have sacked general manager David Perry in the wake of the NRL club’s ownership restructure.
Perry, who has been in charge for four seasons, was aligned with former co-owners Quantum Group, who were bought out by multi-millionaire Rick Penn last week.
The Penn family now owns 90 per cent of the Sea Eagles and from the moment the changeover occurred, the writing was on the wall for Perry.
After a year of off-field bickering, Manly are determined to wipe the slate clean and try and convince key players not to leave the club.
At the heart of the Sea Eagles problems was the decision by management not to offer club veteran Glenn Stewart a new NRL deal, and Perry oversaw that process.
As a result, his axing was unsurprisingly the first decision made by the Penns as they look to steady the divided Sea Eagles.
He was told of his axing over the weekend and Monday is his last day.
“We would like to thank David for his contribution to the Sea Eagles over the past four seasons,” said chairman Scott Penn.
“In his time as general manager he was instrumental in helping the club broaden our sponsorship base and significantly increase our membership.
“Whilst the club has had its challenges off the field during his tenure, we appreciate David’s perseverance to stay focused on the task at hand and keep the club focused on achieving its goals.
“We wish David and his family all the best for the future.”
Perry acknowledged the troubles endured at the Sea Eagles this season.
“I would like to thank all the players and staff at the club, including the volunteers, for their hard work, especially considering there were tough decisions that needed to be made during my tenure through some complex times,” he said.
“The role I held as general manager during the last four seasons was certainly a privilege.”
Current Wests Tigers chief executive Grant Mayer, who formerly held the same role at Manly, is reportedly being sounded out about his interest in returning to Brookvale.
Mayer enjoys a close relationship with the Penn family.
The Penns are working hard on convincing disgruntled stars like Anthony Watmough and Brett Stewart to stay.
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