MPNFL chief Jeff Jones tipped out as AFL South East makes top job redundant

MORNINGTON Peninsula Nepean Football League chief executive Jeff Jones has been made redundant as AFL South East continues to probe the troubled competition.

MPNFL CEO Jeff Jones has become the first casualty of local football’s big shake up.

It was announced today that Jones’ position has been made redundant, effective immediately.

Jones’ departure comes only weeks after the MPNFL board resigned amid a backlash of unrest among clubs unhappy with the overall governance and the lack of a strategic plan.

AFL South East took over the running of the MPNFL in a caretaker capacity and announced it would conduct an immediate financial audit of the league while an independent governance review would take place in the background.

In a statement from AFL South East region manager Jeremy Bourke on Tuesday, Jones’ redundancy was announced.

“This decision was not taken lightly; however given the current limitations in the league’s cash position and forecasting that indicates significant losses ahead, the AFL South East Commission has been left with no option other than to act decisively.’’

The statement also read: “Jeff Jones had been in the role of CEO for just over three years and we would like to thank him for his commitment to the league; first as an accomplished umpire and committee member with the Southern Umpires Association and following on from that the league CEO.’’

Jones was told of his redundancy on Monday and finished up that afternoon.

He told the Leader he wasn’t totally surprised by the news.

“There was a draft regional structure out probably four to six weeks ago and it was clearly on there that my role within the MPNFL didn’t exist under that structure,’’ he said.

“While it’s always a shock, you could see that the role wasn’t going to be there and it was just a matter of time.’’

Jones said he achieved many positive things in his time as CEO.

Asked if it was a happy time, he said: “I suppose it’s like any job, you take the good with the bad.’’

As for his future, Jones said: “As they say, one door closes, another one opens.’’