'I will not be that person': Shane Richardson's vow after quitting as Wests Tigers chief executive
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Shane Richardson has vowed to not tear down Wests Tigers after he quit as chief executive less than 18 months into a four-year contract, walking out following the boardroom carnage that saw four directors sacked last week.
Wests Tigers confirmed in a statement on Monday that Richardson had resigned, after the club's majority owner booted former NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell and the board's three other independent directors.
"All I know is I've done my best, I've done what I think is right, and at the end of the day it wasn't good enough," Richardson told media.
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The veteran rugby league administrator also declared: "I will not be that person, or one of those people, who bags this club when I leave."
Richardson delivered a resignation letter to the Holman Barnes Group, the 90 per cent owner of the club, and told Tigers staff of his decision at a meeting on Monday, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Shane Richardson has quit as Wests Tigers chief executive. Getty
The long-suffering Tigers had been on an upward trajectory in recent years thanks to Richardson, O'Farrell, coach Benji Marshall and gun recruits like Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau, but there's a feeling among the fanbase that the latest dramas have set the club back years.
The Tigers' general manager of football, Shaun Mielekamp, will replace Richardson in an interim capacity.
Tony Mestrov, who quit as Manly chief executive last month, is among the candidates to become Richardson's permanent successor.
As the Tigers search for a new CEO, the NRL is investigating Richardson's potential conflict of interest concerning the use of the Enrichd Group — a company he part owns with his son, Brent — for marketing and digital consultancy services.
Richardson had previously declared the potential conflict of interest.
According to the SMH, the Holman Barnes Group is considering launching its own investigation, which could impact the seven-figure payout Richardson is hoping to receive.
"It's been a privilege to be part of the Wests Tigers and see what we've been able to achieve as a club," Richardson said in a club statement.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Benji Marshall, the players, staff, sponsors and fans for their support over the last two years.
"We've got a fantastic group of staff who work tremendously hard — from administration through to football — and their efforts in turning this club around need to be recognised. Without them the club would not be in the position it is today."
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall (left) and Shane Richardson during his time as the club's chief executive. NRL Imagery
The club has been riddled with dramas since the Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs Magpies merged in 2000, but Holman Barnes Group chief executive Daniel Paton reiterated the company's commitment to staying the course.
"We thank Shane for his service," Paton said.
"His resignation paves the way for a new path forward for the football club, and we will be making an announcement about the new leadership in the near future.
"We again wish to reassure our fans and the broader NRL of our commitment to the joint venture.
"We intend for everyone to move forward together as one, and will be driving this reality through a new CEO and leadership."
