Departing Manly CEO Tony Mestrov expected to replace Shane Richardson as Tigers chief executive
Departing Manly CEO Tony Mestrov is expected to replace Shane Richardson as chief executive at the Tigers. It comes amid a stall in negotiations of a payout between Richardson and the club.
The first step in trying to reunite a fractured Wests Tigers will begin on Monday with Manly’s Tony Mestrov expected to replace Shane Richardson as the club’s new chief executive.
It was originally felt Mestrov - who will formally leave as Manly CEO on December 19 - would be interim Wests Tigers CEO but this masthead has been told the appointment could now be permanent.
Manly’s CEO for more than three years, Mestrov will be asked to take his no-nonsense approach into the challenging Wests Tigers job.
His first role will be to mend a divided club haemorrhaging from political infighting between stakeholders Wests and Balmain.
Mestrov could not be contacted for comment on Sunday afternoon.
It is understood Richardson and the club are locked in tense negotiations around a termination payout.
Richardson is fighting allegations around his alleged conduct at the club as the NRL integrity unit investigates information that two members of Richardson’s family worked at Wests Tigers.
Sources also claim a whistleblower has come forward to express concerns about club money that was paid to a company called Enrichd, a marketing, branding and digital consultancy company Richardson part-owns with his son, Brent.
Richardson is seeking a seven-figure payout but negotiations have stalled with talks becoming strained.
He is fiercely denying any wrongdoing.
“Talks between ‘Richo’ and the club over his payout have become nasty,” said one well-placed source. “But ‘Richo’ is pretty shrewd.
“Given what is happening, no-one has confidence in the club.”
Speculation is rife that senior figures inside Wests Tigers refused to keep the Holman Barnes Group, who essentially finance the club, informed of key decisions.
A former Manly and Souths prop, Mestrov will likely join Wests Tigers unaware who will be his chairman at the club.
Former club chairman Barry O’Farrell was rolled last week along with three other independent directors as the Wests’ side of the dysfunctional joint venture wrestles back control of the club.
Wests Tigers fans are filthy at the latest drama and are planning protest walks to voice their anger.
Balmain legend Steve Roach has expressed his thoughts about the club’s constant dramas, saying: “It’s horribly disappointing for the fans, mate. I feel for them.
“Just as they are starting to see a little bit of light, this happens. It’s destabilising and a shambles.
“And how are you going to attract players if this is happening? Who would go there if they are ‘blueing’ all the time? What happens in (Jahream) Bula leaves?
“I’d like the NRL to step in and get the club in order. Maybe take over or put people in there.”
Mestrov will be replaced as Manly CEO in the New Year by former Sea Eagles forward Jason King.
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Originally published as Departing Manly CEO Tony Mestrov expected to replace Shane Richardson as Tigers chief executive
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