Demons chased Watts for CEO; now Waldron in their sights

[evertonfc]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 11,00.html
Demons' first offers refused

MELBOURNE had already started a professional search for a replacement long before Monday's axing of chief executive Steve Harris, it was revealed on Tuesday.

Geelong chief executive Brian Cook and former St Kilda chief executive and AFL executive Jim Watts declined offers after being targeted to join Melbourne.

------

Fremantle chief executive Cameron Schwab, former St Kilda chief executive and Melbourne Storm CEO Brian Waldron are certain to be interviewed as a replacement for Harris.

I can't blame the Demons; both men did a fantastic job here. I'd love it if we had either still on board - I think they're an excellent duo.

Having Watts on the board and Waldron as CEO/GM was when we did our best work, IMO. I've got no doubt that whilst GT & RB did a lot of good work in turning this club around, JW & BW were extremely influential in helping us get to our current position of strength.

BW is doing a brilliant job at the Melbourne Storm, I might add. The Demons would be doing very well to have him.

...though I deep down wish he'd re-join us in some capacity

[saintsRrising]

BW leaving = wheels falling off


Many forget and fail to recognise the part BW played in our rise and mistakenly give the credit to another.....

[redwhite&blackblood]

BW leaving = wheels falling off


Many forget and fail to recognise the part BW played in our rise and mistakenly give the credit to another.....

Also his arrival at the storm coincided with there reemergence as a power club coincidence?

I sure hope he goes to the Dees would love the Storm to crumble.

[Oh When the Saints]

Jim Watts was a good big-picture man with some excellent ideas ...

But operationally he left the club in a bit of a shambles. We were under-staffed and running on a shoe-string when Archie took over, and at least over the past 18 months this area has been rectified ... we now have a full complement of football and administrative staff.

Just my observations ...


Brian Waldron was the best CEO we ever had and he has done wonders at the Storm.

[SaintBot]

pehaps plugger or someone in the know can confirm but didnt waldron leave the club over a certain relationship he had with another member of staff?

[plugger66]

pehaps plugger or someone in the know can confirm but didnt waldron leave the club over a certain relationship he had with another member of staff?

Yes.

[stinger]

zipper problem i'm told.....

[SENsei]

That sort of discussion is best left in the boardroom.

Brian Waldron would be a huge coup for Melbourne. Huge.

[saintsRrising]

pehaps plugger or someone in the know can confirm but didnt waldron leave the club over a certain relationship he had with another member of staff?

Yes.

Well it was not actually the relationship with the staff member as to why he left.

It was more that staff member getting something from the Saints resources that they did not deserve given their positon.......

ie it was not gained by their work performance.....and should not therefore have been given.

[Enrico_Misso]

Waldron took long term team management from scribblings on paper, to a scientific approach that methodically identified current and more importantly future gaps by experience, age and position.
this enabled us to tailor our recruiting to cover those gaps.

[savatage]

Waldron was a great CEO but those rumours were correct.

Hawthorn were about to appoint him as their CEO until we gave them a little word in their ears about what happened with him & us, they suddenly went very cold on him.

[Otiman]

Was this Waldron 'incident' reported in the papers? Or was it kept quiet? I don't recall hearing anything about it.

[riccardo]

BW leaving = wheels falling off


Many forget and fail to recognise the part BW played in our rise and mistakenly give the credit to another.....

Also his arrival at the storm coincided with there reemergence as a power club coincidence?

I sure hope he goes to the Dees would love the Storm to crumble.

I more think the Storms dominance has to do with Craig Bellamy, the best coach in the game right now. Waldron clearly plays his part, but he can't pull on the jersey, its down to the staff and players mostly.

If you are looking for the REIGNING PREMIERS to crumble, you're gonna have to wait a looooooooooooooooong while, I'm afraid.

[saintly]

Was this Waldron 'incident' reported in the papers? Or was it kept quiet? I don't recall hearing anything about it.

kept very quiet.

[evertonfc]

Jim Watts was a good big-picture man with some excellent ideas ...

But operationally he left the club in a bit of a shambles.

He did an excellent job given the constraints, which became increasingly difficult to work under. I don't think anyone fully understands how difficult it was at that stage.

To say he left the club in a bit of a shambles is not only misleading, but unfairly apportions blame on his head. In truth, he was the man least at fault - and the one trying hardest to correct some obvious problems.

He left the club incredibly frustrated. I don't blame him.

We were under-staffed and running on a shoe-string when Archie took over, and at least over the past 18 months this area has been rectified ... we now have a full complement of football and administrative staff.

Just my observations ...

Both Brian Waldron and Jim Watts both wanted fully-functioning football and administrative departments. They were both more than capable of delivering them, but at the time, the board directive was to cut staff and costs.

Archie Fraser has been the beneficiary of substantial grace periods under two administrations, even though his work under RB was questionable on several fronts. He's now been given open slather by the new board to build the team he wants, something both Waldron and Watts could only dream about.

He owes Westaway an enourmous debt of gratitude IMO, as he did seem a logical candidate to be moved on given the negative press his 'style' recieved.

Let's hope he can vindicate that faith and become a CEO in the mould of Cook or Swann.

Brian Waldron was the best CEO we ever had and he has done wonders at the Storm.

Can't argue with that.

[stinger]

some interesting observations.....

[RBnW]

Jim Watts was a good big-picture man with some excellent ideas ...

But operationally he left the club in a bit of a shambles.

He did an excellent job given the constraints, which became increasingly difficult to work under. I don't think anyone fully understands how difficult it was at that stage.

To say he left the club in a bit of a shambles is not only misleading, but unfairly apportions blame on his head. In truth, he was the man least at fault - and the one trying hardest to correct some obvious problems.

He left the club incredibly frustrated. I don't blame him.

We were under-staffed and running on a shoe-string when Archie took over, and at least over the past 18 months this area has been rectified ... we now have a full complement of football and administrative staff.

Just my observations ...

Both Brian Waldron and Jim Watts both wanted fully-functioning football and administrative departments. They were both more than capable of delivering them, but at the time, the board directive was to cut staff and costs.

Archie Fraser has been the beneficiary of substantial grace periods under two administrations, even though his work under RB was questionable on several fronts. He's now been given open slather by the new board to build the team he wants, something both Waldron and Watts could only dream about.

He owes Westaway an enourmous debt of gratitude IMO, as he did seem a logical candidate to be moved on given the negative press his 'style' recieved.

Let's hope he can vindicate that faith and become a CEO in the mould of Cook or Swann.

Brian Waldron was the best CEO we ever had and he has done wonders at the Storm.

Can't argue with that.

I cant help thinking that if Waldron and Watts were that good then why didn't they fix the things that had to be fixed at the club......who was holding them back....Butterss?.....if so and they were not allowed to do thier job as CEO then why would they stay and take the clubs money?......If history proves that we had to get rid of GT, Butterss and his ego driven yes men board, to allow us to spend $ in the football area and hire Drain, Misson, Barbour, Wallis, Mulkerns +++ so we could compete and win a premiership then from what I can see that has to have been driven by the CEO + Ross Lyon and more than likley the board members who are still on the board....Levin and Gadanski....
What I am struggling with is why didn't Waldron and Watts stand up to GT, Butters and the board and do what obviuosly had to be done....that was thier job as CEO and they were well paid for this....oh and I forgot the Frankston deal an asset +++ all in the past few months
Am I missing something ?
If Butterss was the problem then Fraser, challenging his thinking has made a difference and set us up for the long term....no doubt with help and support of the 2 board memebers and Ross Lyon.....but at least as CEO he cant be accused of backing down and just taking the $ without challenging what needed to be changed.....
He is not proven yet in the mould of Cook, but it is going to be interesting to see what the year ahead brings....
What is good is its not us looking for a CEO 4 weeks out from the start of the year......

[SENsei]

Waldron did stand up to GT. Witnessed it myself. Not pretty.

[evertonfc]

Jim Watts was a good big-picture man with some excellent ideas ...

But operationally he left the club in a bit of a shambles.

He did an excellent job given the constraints, which became increasingly difficult to work under. I don't think anyone fully understands how difficult it was at that stage.

To say he left the club in a bit of a shambles is not only misleading, but unfairly apportions blame on his head. In truth, he was the man least at fault - and the one trying hardest to correct some obvious problems.

He left the club incredibly frustrated. I don't blame him.

We were under-staffed and running on a shoe-string when Archie took over, and at least over the past 18 months this area has been rectified ... we now have a full complement of football and administrative staff.

Just my observations ...

Both Brian Waldron and Jim Watts both wanted fully-functioning football and administrative departments. They were both more than capable of delivering them, but at the time, the board directive was to cut staff and costs.

Archie Fraser has been the beneficiary of substantial grace periods under two administrations, even though his work under RB was questionable on several fronts. He's now been given open slather by the new board to build the team he wants, something both Waldron and Watts could only dream about.

He owes Westaway an enourmous debt of gratitude IMO, as he did seem a logical candidate to be moved on given the negative press his 'style' recieved.

Let's hope he can vindicate that faith and become a CEO in the mould of Cook or Swann.

Brian Waldron was the best CEO we ever had and he has done wonders at the Storm.

Can't argue with that.

I cant help thinking that if Waldron and Watts were that good then why didn't they fix the things that had to be fixed at the club......who was holding them back....Butterss?.....if so and they were not allowed to do thier job as CEO then why would they stay and take the clubs money?

Errr...they both resigned.

What I am struggling with is why didn't Waldron and Watts stand up to GT, Butters and the board and do what obviuosly had to be done....that was thier job as CEO and they were well paid for this....

How do you know they didn't do this?

If Butterss was the problem then Fraser, challenging his thinking has made a difference and set us up for the long term....

Do you think the others didn't?

no doubt with help and support of the 2 board memebers and Ross Lyon.....but at least as CEO he cant be accused of backing down and just taking the $ without challenging what needed to be changed....

See point one. They both resigned.

You seem to be making out they were milking the club's money and were then fired...?

Odd.

[saintsRrising]

Who said that BW did not stand up to GT. Problems mainly started after BW left...

What I am struggling with is why didn't Waldron .... stand up to GT,


Am I missing something ?

Butters had his talents..

GT did too


Problem was when BW left their was a big void....which GT mainly filled but was not capable of doing...GT then also gained way wat too mucg control and became responsble for areas that he was not competent to manage...but thought he was.


Other problem was that Butterss...who is probably more of a shall we say big picture person struggled with the competence of BW.


IMO both RB and GT suffered by BW leaving.

Also too please remember that of the three, that GT and BW were paid full time
...whereas RB as President is a volunteer part time also running his own businesses (as all AFL Presindents do).

Therefore quite rightly one would expect that BW would have put in more than RB.


Today, I would expect AF to contribute a lot more than GW. Which is not knocking GW...but just recognising that one is a full time CEO working executive hours (or at least we hope he is!!!) whereas the other is a fulltime CEO doing St Kilad work in his spare time.

[saintsRrising]

BW's CV


http://www.saxton.com.au/default.asp?sd8=3471

Brian Waldron

Brian began his professional life working in Secondary Education. In 1991 he commenced a Sports administration career when he was appointed Development Manager with the Richmond Football Club. Over the ensuing years he held the positions of National Recruiting Manager and General Manager, Football Operations with the Richmond Football Club finishing his time there in late 1997.

In December 1997 Brian became a partner in The Waldron Cook Consulting Group which specialised in Strategic Planning and Change Management. In December 1998 he was appointed to the senior management role of Strategic Planner and Company Secretary of Elite Sports Properties one of the countries leading sports management groups. Throughout this period Brian also worked in a number of different mediums as a Sports Journalist.

In October 1999 he joined the St.Kilda Football Club as General Manager, Football Operations and was promoted to CEO in late 2001. In his time in charge of the Saints, Waldron oversaw gross turnover growth from $13.7million at the end of 2002 to in excess of $21million in 2005 . Under his leadership the Club achieved a net turnaround in business operations from a loss of $3.7million in 2002 to a profit of $580,000 in 2003 and $1 million EBIT in 2004 .

Brian commenced as CEO with the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League, on 1st November 2004. Brian also holds a Bachelor of Education and a Masters in Business Administration.


Excellent background...MBA etc and varied experience.

Note that he had worked as National Recruiting Manager as well as the Development Manager at the Tigers before becoming the General Manager, Football Operations ...for those that may think him only an admin guy.

[SENsei]

BW's best mate also sits next to RL in the coaches box. Gus.

[rodgerfox]

Note that he had worked as National Recruiting Manager as well as the Development Manager at the Tigers before coming the ensuing years he held the positions of National Recruiting Manager and General Manager, Football Operations ...for those that may think him only an admin guy.

And we were caned mercilessly by the press for using him in the coaches box on game day.

[RBnW]

Jim Watts was a good big-picture man with some excellent ideas ...

But operationally he left the club in a bit of a shambles.

He did an excellent job given the constraints, which became increasingly difficult to work under. I don't think anyone fully understands how difficult it was at that stage.

To say he left the club in a bit of a shambles is not only misleading, but unfairly apportions blame on his head. In truth, he was the man least at fault - and the one trying hardest to correct some obvious problems.

He left the club incredibly frustrated. I don't blame him.

We were under-staffed and running on a shoe-string when Archie took over, and at least over the past 18 months this area has been rectified ... we now have a full complement of football and administrative staff.

Just my observations ...

Both Brian Waldron and Jim Watts both wanted fully-functioning football and administrative departments. They were both more than capable of delivering them, but at the time, the board directive was to cut staff and costs.

Archie Fraser has been the beneficiary of substantial grace periods under two administrations, even though his work under RB was questionable on several fronts. He's now been given open slather by the new board to build the team he wants, something both Waldron and Watts could only dream about.

He owes Westaway an enourmous debt of gratitude IMO, as he did seem a logical candidate to be moved on given the negative press his 'style' recieved.

Let's hope he can vindicate that faith and become a CEO in the mould of Cook or Swann.

Brian Waldron was the best CEO we ever had and he has done wonders at the Storm.

Can't argue with that.

I cant help thinking that if Waldron and Watts were that good then why didn't they fix the things that had to be fixed at the club......who was holding them back....Butterss?.....if so and they were not allowed to do thier job as CEO then why would they stay and take the clubs money?

Errr...they both resigned.

What I am struggling with is why didn't Waldron and Watts stand up to GT, Butters and the board and do what obviuosly had to be done....that was thier job as CEO and they were well paid for this....

How do you know they didn't do this?

If Butterss was the problem then Fraser, challenging his thinking has made a difference and set us up for the long term....

Do you think the others didn't?

no doubt with help and support of the 2 board memebers and Ross Lyon.....but at least as CEO he cant be accused of backing down and just taking the $ without challenging what needed to be changed....

See point one. They both resigned.

You seem to be making out they were milking the club's money and were then fired...?

Odd.

Watts resigned no doubt and went on to the AFL after taking over from Waldron....Waldron was asked to leave for a number of reasons, which is maybe why he has not been offered a job back in the AFL at a club although there have been a few positions available.....
My point is, niether Waldron or Watts made the changes that have recently been made in Coaching or Footy, they didnt hire a proffesional footy manager to work with GT or medical staff to fix our long term injury issues.......My point is just that if you are a paid employee at that level you have to take on the big issues.....niether of them did that IMHO, they let GT run the club, the medical, the media +++
Are we in better shape with the changes that have been made? I would say yes we are, or we appear to be.....did Waldron or Watts make the level of changes.....No.....

[evertonfc]

Watts resigned no doubt and went on to the AFL after taking over from Waldron....Waldron was asked to leave for a number of reasons, which is maybe why he has not been offered a job back in the AFL at a club although there have been a few positions available.....

I seriously doubt those 'reasons' would affect his ability to run a footy club.

My point is, niether Waldron or Watts made the changes that have recently been made in Coaching or Footy, they didnt hire a proffesional footy manager to work with GT or medical staff to fix our long term injury issues.......

Probably because they were working under the directive of cut costs at every corner to get this club into the black, where we hadn't been for years.

You're making out like they lacked vision and foresight. Had they recieved half the support Fraser is getting (united board/cash disposal/agreeable coach), we'd have had all this stuff a long, long time ago.

My point is just that if you are a paid employee at that level you have to take on the big issues.....niether of them did that IMHO, they let GT run the club, the medical, the media +++

When GT and RB were operating at their most fruitful (2002-04), they were given heaps of credit. Well, I'd be willing to say the next two men most critical to the 'revolution' from struggler to semi-strong club were BW and JW. To say they didn't tackle the big issues...jesus.

BW led the charge in many respects and JW did a superb job as conditions at the club became remarkably difficult.

The blokes who changed the direction of this footy club ought to be revered figures, not hung out to dry.

Are we in better shape with the changes that have been made? I would say yes we are, or we appear to be.....did Waldron or Watts make the level of changes.....No.....

- Membership lifted from from 17,900 in 2002 to 32,000 in 2005
- Sponsorship rose dramatically
- TD deal was renegotiated for financial parity with Essendon
- Re-development plans became highly advanced
- Very few good players left the club and we attracted several excellent players

They did their best to deal with the issues of the day. This stuff wasn't done by fairies. For example, the injury problem only really became an issue late in JW's tenure - what the heck could he do about it?

I'm as gung-ho about the future as anyone, but just because these guys aren't employed by the club any more doesn't mean they weren't outstanding contributors.