Letter from Dr George Peponis, Bulldogs Chairman
October 27, 2005
Dear Mr Brailey,
I am writing in response to your letter dated October 10, 2005.
There are two main messages that you have communicated in your letter that I would like to respond to.
Firstly, you have questioned my loyalty and love for the Bulldogs Rugby League Club.
Secondly, you want the Bulldogs Club to keep its facilities at Belmore Sports Ground and to play matches at the Sports Ground.
Corcerning the first topic, I have been involved with the Bulldogs for nearly 40 years, and have supported it as a fan for my whole life. Your comments that I am not concerned about the future of the Club, that I lack traditional values and have disregarded the Canterbury Bankstown community are an affront to me.
I wore the blue-and-white in an era when players did not make a living out of rugby league. I played because I love the Bulldogs and I loved the game of rugby league.
I continue to serve the Bulldogs as its Chairman and give a lot of time and energy to ensure the future of the Bulldogs is a bright one.
Concerning the second topic of your letter, I echo the words of Malcolm Noad, the Bulldogs CEO, when he stated in recent correspondence to you:
"... the only way that Belmore will be considered as a first grade playing venue by the NRL is if a major renovation of the ground occurs. This falls under the control of Canterbury Council, who have indicated they do not have the funds to undertake such a project.
"... all (Bulldogs Boardmembers) wanted to explore the option of playing at Belmore, but when presented with the facts about the condition of the facilities they voted to extend our playing agreement with Telstra Stadium and to move the Bulldogs offices to Sydney Olympic Park at the end of next season."
Myself, the Board of Directors and the management and staff of the Bulldogs Rugby League have one common goal that we all work to - to ensure the future of the Club is a strong and prosperous one, both on and off the field.
What you have failed to acknowledge in your correspondence is how strong the future of the Bulldogs is.
* Fans are attending our games in record numbers;
* The Bulldogs Club has never been in a stronger financial position, which any sports club would tell you is crucial to a club's future.
* The 2006 Bulldogs first grade squad has 11 players who have played representative football, including seven internationals.
The Bulldogs will never lose sight of our heritage and will always be proud of our achievements.
Thank you for your continued
support of the Bulldogs.
Regards
Dr George Peponis
Chairman
Mitsubishi Electric Bulldogs
|
