Today, the voting members of the Bulldogs Rugby League Club have delivered a resounding verdict of condemnation and denunciation on the former administrations' regime.

The previous board had come to Belmore in the wake of the salary cap crisis of 2002 with a highly idealistic and pragmatic agenda. In the end, however, they 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.

Ultimately, the former administration lacked leadership on the most crucial issues facing the club and lost touch with supporters. Over the past five and half years, the Bulldogs have moved incrementally away from their traditional heartland.

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 today the voting members have judged them on the basis of this decision.

Sadly, this election campaign descended into the trench warfare that many people had predicted; a smear campaign of the most vindictive kind. The new board's victory is a triumph of humility over hubris.

I urge and encourage the new board elected by the voting members of the football club today 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.