Sea Eagles CEO Tim Cleary has defended sacking Kristie Fulton as “a business decision”
SEA Eagles CEO Tim Cleary has defended sacking Kristie Fulton as “a business decision”, and says he can continue to work closely alongside her father, Immortal Bob Fulton,
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SEA Eagles CEO Tim Cleary has defended sacking Kristie Fulton as “purely a business decision”.
And he is confident he can continue to work closely alongside her father, football boss and Immortal Bob Fulton, declaring he has the “best interests of the club at heart.”
Mr Cleary, the former school principal at St Augustine’s College in Brookvale, took over from Joe Kelly last December.
He hasn’t taken long to make tough decisions, last week sacking Ms Fulton, who was working in a commercial role.
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It was a move which reportedly enraged Mr Fulton, and has the potential to bring the club to its knees as yet another off-field drama was made public.
Mr Cleary told the Manly Daily it was one of the realities which accompanies his role.
“It was nothing personal against Kristie, it was purely a business decision,’’ he said. “I want the club to be run in a certain way, that is my job as CEO.
“I have tremendous respect for what Bob (Fulton) has done for the club over a long period of time in a playing and coaching capacity.”
It is believed Mr Cleary has the support of the Penn family, who bankroll the club. He also backed the under fire Trent Barrett to succeed as head coach over the coming weeks.
“I have absolute faith in him,’’ he said.
“Trent is a terrific operator, he is the best man for the job in my eyes, and I have relayed that to him this week.”
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After losing their first two matches at Lottoland against Parramatta and South Sydney, Manly face North Queensland this Saturday night in Townsville.
Beyond that daunting encounter, Des Hasler’s Bulldogs (Saturday, March 25), the in form Roosters (Friday, March 31) and the Dragons (Saturday, April 8) await.
For a club that is used to success which is also demanded by fans, 2017 is already looking like a year to forget.
Questionable recruiting is another cause for concern, with Clint Gutherson, Jamie Buhrer and Peta Hiku firing at rival NRL clubs after being made surplus to requirements by Fulton and his coaching staff.
Mr Fulton could not be reached for comment late.
THE NEW BOSS MOVES IN
Joe Kelly is appointed as Manly CEO, replacing David Perry.
THE DCE DEBACLE
Daly Cherry-Evans announces he’s signed with the Gold Coast Titans for 2016. He backflips on the deal on June 3, signing an eight-year deal with Manly in what is the biggest contract in Australian rugby league history.
BOZO’S BIG RETURN
The club announces that Bob Fulton will return to the club after a 15-year absence as a strategic consultant.
A QUICK FIX?
Manly are defeated 20-8 by the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium. This game is later investigated due to suspicions of match-fixing.
STAR WALKS OUT
Kieran Foran signs with Parramatta. He plays his final match for the club on September 6th.
DODGY DEAL DEFENDED
Then Parramatta prop Darcy Lussick defends his relationship with Eddie Obeid Jnr, claiming in the Sydney Morning Herald he’s just a “regular friend” after it was revealed Lussick bought an apartment in Top Ryde from Obeid jnr’s family company at a discounted price. Lussick signed a three-year deal to return to Manly on 18 August.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Geoff Toovey is sacked as Manly coach. He was allowed to see out the season before being replaced by Trent Barrett. Toovey took over from Des Hasler following the 2011 grand final victory and steered the club to three straight finals series, including the 2013 grand final. He finished with a record of 61 victories from 105 matches in charge.
ANOTHER SUSPICIOUS MATCH?
Manly are defeated 20-16 by Parramatta at Brookvale Oval. This game is later investigated due to suspicions of match-fixing.
TOOVEY SHOWN THE DOOR
Toovey coaches his final game for the club, a 14-12 victory over Cronulla. The Sea Eagles finish the season in 9th.
CONTRACT SCANDAL IGNITES
The Sea Eagles sign star forward Martin Taupau from the Tigers. In an embarrassing bungle, Taupau’s contract is accidentally sent to Canadian theatre critic J.Kelly Nestruck instead of CEO Joe Kelly. The Sea Eagles hail Taupau as “one of the club’s biggest signings since Malcolm Reilly”.
API UNDER FIRE
Manly recruit Apisai Koroisau has been charged by police for illegally entering a Bondi property prior to Christmas.
BARRETT’S BAPTISM OF FIRE
Barrett makes his debut as Manly coach, a 28-6 defeat to Canterbury. The Sea Eagles finish the year in 13th position, their worst result since 2004.
THIRD GAME UNDER SCRUTINY
Manly are defeated 22-10 by Parramatta at Brookvale Oval. This game is later investigated due to suspicions of match-fixing.
END OF AN ERA
Club legend and 2011 premiership captain Jamie Lyon announces he will retire at the end of the season.
PLAYERS BANNED FROM BROTHEL, PORN KINGS
The Daily Telegraph reveals senior Manly officials warned players to stop socialising with ex-brothel baron Eddie Hayson and porn shop magnate Con Ange.
WALKER COPS HUGE FINE
Sea Eagles star Dylan Walker was fined $10,000 and issued a breach notice after he injured his hand punching the front door of his northern beaches apartment following a night out with teammates.
MANLY GAMES INVESTIGATED
With the backing of the NSW Crime Commission, detectives from Strike Force Nuralda will investigate alleged match-fixing in three NRL games over the past two seasons, all involving Manly Sea Eagles.
KELLY MAKES WAY FOR CLEARY
Joe Kelly resigns as CEO and is replaced by Tim Cleary, the principal of St Augustine’s College in Brookvale.
CLEAR OUT COMPLETE
The club confirms they are seeking medical retirement clearances for Brett Stewart and Steve Matai. Their departure means Cherry-Evans is the final remaining player at the club from the 2011 premiership and one of just three survivors from the 2013 grand final team.
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