Peter Doust quits St George Illawarra after underperforming for too long, writes Buzz Rothfield
IN the past it has always been the coach’s fault. But with crowds, sponsorship and membership all falling, Peter Doust’s time with St George Illawarra was up, writes BUZZ ROTHFIELD.
Dragons
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EXACTLY this time last year, The Daily telegraph published a list of the 10 people in rugby league under most pressure to keep their jobs.
Your columnist put Dragons chief executive Peter Doust at No.1.
He sent a threatening legal letter a few days later, defending his position as the boss of St George Illawarra, despite evidence to the contrary.
This club may have won the 2010 premiership but it has been a disappointment ever since.
Crowds, sponsorship and membership (the three key measures of running a successful football club) have all fallen.
Put it down to a lack of leadership and vision.
OUSTED: Doust steps down as Dragons boss
In the past it has always been the coach’s fault. Under Doust, the club has axed Andrew Farrar, Nathan Brown and Steve Price. Paul McGregor almost lost his job last year too.
All along, Doust has escaped proper scrutiny.
This is a club that has no real strategy for long-term success. They play at Wollongong, Kogarah, ANZ Stadium and Allianz as home grounds.
While most of the nine Sydney based NRL clubs have survived tough times financially, the Dragons have been a basket case, including having to borrow $6.6 million from the NRL to stay afloat.
They still owe $5.8 million.
Doust announcing that he will step down at season’s end comes at the same time that WIN TV Boss, Bruce Gordon prepares to buy the most famous logo and brand in the competition.
The Doust exit was obviously part of the package.
This club needs younger, and more dynamic leadership.
Dragons Chairman Brian Johnston stood by his outgoing CEO on Thursday.
“I have the highest respect for Peter, his passion, dedication and leadership have been first class,” Johnston said.
“His loyalty to the club, the staff and players has always been unwavering and we are very fortunate to have had him leading our club as CEO.
“Rugby league is a very challenging and dynamic environment and he deserves enormous credit for his leadership, trust and resilience.
“He has always ensured the Dragons interests were heard and considered at every level of the game and we are grateful that he has given the Board appropriate time to consider a replacement and assist with any transition.”
The “Oust Doust” campaign, driven by frustrated fans for more than a decade, has finally triumphed.
This club can now plan for the future and again become an NRL powerhouse.
They have added big guns, James Graham and Ben Hunt to a roster that is again capable of playing finals football. It’s just the front office that needs fixing and Doust’s departure is a good first step.