By Nathan Klein

February 19, 2008 - Canterbury-Bankstown Express

FORMER group leader of the Bulldogs board Graeme Hughes has been voted out following the club's AGM on Sunday.

Greg Hartley, Barry Phyllis, Nick Dimas, Jim Hall and Peter Winchester were the other candidates who missed out.

More than 500 members voted on Sunday for the new-look nine-man board comprising Paul Dunn, Andrew Farrar, Ray Dib, Barry Ward, Anthony Elias, Peter Cassilles, Phil Charlton, George Peponis and Malcolm Noad.

Back to Belmore president Luke Brailey said yesterday's vote was a clear indication that the Bulldogs members wanted a change. He said the change was exactly what was needed to improve things at the club.

"The voting members of the Bulldogs Rugby League Club have delivered a resounding verdict of condemnation and denunciation on the former administrations' regime," Mr Brailey said.

"The former board alienated many of the clubs' traditional supporters and completely destroyed the fabric, culture and traditions of this great and proud club over its 73-year history.

"In arrogant contempt of the views of Bulldogs supporters informed by their take-no-prisoners mentality, the previous board vigorously pursued the abandonment of Belmore without any consultation with members, season ticket holders and supporters, and the voting members have judged them on the basis of this decision.

"The new board's victory is a triumph of humility over hubris.

"I urge and encourage the new board...to be responsive to the mood of Bulldogs supporters and to explore and leave no stones unturned in endeavouring an upgrade of and a return to our spiritual home, Belmore Sports Ground."

At the first meeting of the new board, the future of Dr Peponis as chairman of the club and chief executive officer Mr Noad will be decided. Mr Noad said he would not stand down unless the board sacked him.