South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson says there is no prospect of the Rabbitohs relocating, despite Russell Crowe’s decision to offload his 37.5 per cent stake in the NRL club.
The Hollywood superstar is putting his shares up for sale due to family reasons, prompting claims from former patriarch George Piggins that the club could be shifted to Perth or the NSW central coast.
In front of a large media contingent at Redfern Oval on Monday, Richardson hosed down the possibility of moving, saying the club was in the best shape in its long history, and roots would always be in Sydney.
“I guarantee it, iron-flag – it’s not even a question. If it happened, Shane Richardson wouldn’t be here,” he said.
“We have more almost 25,000 paid-up members, made a six-figure profit this year and will make a seven-figure profit next year.
“Russell will still be involved in the club, he will still be ringing me up and trying to tell me who we should sign and what ideas we should be implementing.
“But family comes first – anyone with kids will tell you that.”
The actor took to Twitter on Monday, declaring: “South Sydney FC in a great place. Money in the bank, long term contracts with star players, excellent coach. Don’t listen to panic merchants.”
However, his move to sell raised fresh concern from Piggins, who was a fierce opponent of Crowe’s and businessman Peter Holmes a Court’s successful takeover bid in 2006.
“I think the fans must be very concerned about where the club goes now, and those who voted for the takeover must be very concerned too,” Piggins told AAP.
“This is exactly what worried me most about the whole thing … the fans will be feeling cheated.”
Souths’ chairman Nick Pappas said any new major shareholder would need to be ratified by club members before any sale could be agreed.
Pappas said it was up to Crowe to find someone to sell his stake to. But he was unable to offer any specific figure on how much the Oscar winner could expect to make, but any transaction would need approval from the members.
“The club is not up for sale, but Russell has indicated it’s his intention to dispose of his interest,” Pappas said.
“The members would have the right to veto any move.”
Pappas added that co-owner Peter Holmes a Court was still considering what to do with his 37.5 per cent share of Souths.
Crowe and Holmes a Court bought 75 per cent of the club in 2006.
“I really can’t speculate about Peter’s role. We will wait and see what Peter’s decision is. It’s his decision alone,” he said.
rabbits72
Guest
godfrey,you are a sad case for a souths supporter,you pleasure in life would be to see this club crash so you can say "i told you so".but as long as there are supporters like me it wont happen because good will always defeat evil and you are pure evil.i am ashamed that you support the same club as i do but there you go.you are nothing but a puppet on a string.pathetic.
Godfrey
Guest
Russell has broken so many promises another one won't make a difference. Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to Perth we go...
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Stick to the buccaneer bloke ,with an eyepatch over one eye. The marketing hype is enless.One eyed supporters.We pillage and take no prisoners.Put the Knights to the sword, me hearties. Your mascot can be a parrot(not Alan Jones) BTW. I don't think Sharks are the flavour of the month in WA TBH.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Depends on the quantity of pasty held within.
Caramello Koala
Guest
Souths will stay in Sydney.
Godfrey
Guest
The Rabbits don't play any of their home games in Redfern. They play 9 of their 12 home games in western Sydney. The other 3 are in Perth, Cairns, and Gosford. To watch Souths play, Rabbit fans have to cover more distance than Captain Cook. Richardson can't be believed. With Souths playing 25% of their home games out of Sydney in 2013, how can Souths guarantee that it won't syphon off more games in the future. After all, the club has $11 million in liabilities which it can't pay. Don't believe the lie merchants.
dishes
Guest
It's a shame they won't be going to the central coast, that would've been great for rugby league. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Well, I like Sharks and I like Rabbits, so I'm okay on a mascot level with either alternative.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Will iron be strong enough?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
But wasn't it supposed to be Cronulla relocating to Sandgropersville? How times have changed.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
The iron flag is used to keep Richardson's chins ,from drooping further.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
I suppose if the Pirates aren't getting anywhere, Souths would be pretty nice :D
josh
Guest
what is this iron-flag that Richardson speaks of? is it some form of weapon to be used against the forces of evil or even worse, the AFL? is it even legal?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
oikee.The club has been profitable since 2008.The monies lent do not have to be repaid til 2024 The club's members,have the final decision as to club colours and where they should stay. The chances of relocation,are as much chance of the Broncos moving to Penrith.
oikee
Guest
Something sounds fishy about this, today they report that the bunnies owe Crowe 1.6 million. Ok, if he owns just over one third of the club, do souths owe 4.8 million to someone all up. If they do then it is time to move out of Sydney. Perth or even Adelaide where you can have a whole city to yourself. Start making some cash instead of leaking like the Pasha Bulker.