Phil Gardner to step down as Knights CEO

Yeah Wests Group aren’t going anywhere. This was always the plan. We got Parr with the promise of succeeding Uncle Phil.

On Phil stepping down, look, we have a lot to be grateful for. We may not have a club at all without him. I think AOB may end up being the longest serving and most successful coach in our history and he was Phil’s appointment. And I’ve never had any doubt that he legitimately wanted this club to be successful and was prepared to make the kind of investment in success other people in his position have not at other clubs have not. Including a level of investment in the women’s game especially other clubs just haven’t made. Signing off on the biggest contract ever for the best player in the game, the gender equal facilities at the Centre of Excellence, investing in a big enough coaching staff so that Blake Green & other assistants can give some time to the girls etc, other clubs just aren’t doing stuff like that, and the results speak for themselves.

If we win a men’s premiership in the next decade he‘ll deserve a pat on the back or two at least for that as well.
 
HarVeeGee13 said:
Yeah Wests Group aren’t going anywhere. This was always the plan. We got Parr with the promise of succeeding Uncle Phil.

On Phil stepping down, look, we have a lot to be grateful for. We may not have a club at all without him. I think AOB may end up being the longest serving and most successful coach in our history and he was Phil’s appointment. And I’ve never had any doubt that he legitimately wanted this club to be successful and was prepared to make the kind of investment in success other people in his position have not at other clubs have not. Including a level of investment in the women’s game especially other clubs just haven’t made. Signing off on the biggest contract ever for the best player in the game, the gender equal facilities at the Centre of Excellence, investing in a big enough coaching staff so that Blake Green & other assistants can give some time to the girls etc, other clubs just aren’t doing stuff like that, and the results speak for themselves.

If we win a men’s premiership in the next decade he‘ll deserve a pat on the back or two at least for that as well.
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Well said.
 
We
HarVeeGee13 said:
Yeah Wests Group aren’t going anywhere. This was always the plan. We got Parr with the promise of succeeding Uncle Phil.

On Phil stepping down, look, we have a lot to be grateful for. We may not have a club at all without him. I think AOB may end up being the longest serving and most successful coach in our history and he was Phil’s appointment. And I’ve never had any doubt that he legitimately wanted this club to be successful and was prepared to make the kind of investment in success other people in his position have not at other clubs have not. Including a level of investment in the women’s game especially other clubs just haven’t made. Signing off on the biggest contract ever for the best player in the game, the gender equal facilities at the Centre of Excellence, investing in a big enough coaching staff so that Blake Green & other assistants can give some time to the girls etc, other clubs just aren’t doing stuff like that, and the results speak for themselves.

If we win a men’s premiership in the next decade he‘ll deserve a pat on the back or two at least for that as well.
Click to expand...
Well said !
 
Lefty said:
This is great news. Gardner stepping down as CEO will remove the one obvious weakness in the Knights management. We need a rugby league administrator in the CEO position not someone whose expertise is in running hospitality businesses.
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Not a bad hospitality business he has built . And can't remember the last bloke who bought a football club for a dollar 😀
 
Phil is what is known as a Situational CEO. A classification that most CEO’s that serve or have served in large organisations are or should be known as. They apply their skill set and leadership qualities to suited needs or desired direction of an organisation at a point in time. As has been said, he was always stepping out. And as Harves said, he did a bloody good job getting us to a position where now the requirements are focussed on a growing and better structured club being ready to push for success on and off the pitch. The time is right - but should be grateful.

I remember when the large listed property business I used to work for was days away from going into liquidation during the GFC. A banking exec was appointed CEO. Knew nothing about commercial property. Saved and stabilised the business by sourcing capital and putting the right people in the right roles. As the business turned a corner and started thriving again he was useless and went to be the CEO of a 2nd tier bank.

Boards and business owners who get the timing right to bring in and out situational CEO’s are the ones who win the game. Even if it is you who puts yourself in or out. Good job Uncle Phil and god speed. Keep the purse strings loose.
 
Some of his media appearances and statements were a bit cringe, which have frustrated many of us, but if that's the worst you an say about a CEO then you don't have too much to complain about. He's appointed quality people in every aspect of the club, set us up with the Centre of Excellence, made us the first powerhouse NRLW side, and I think from a playing personnel perspective (good tongue twister that) has our men's side closer to a premiership than we've been since 2001.

There's always been rumours of factions etc inside the club during his stint, and we've let a few behind the scenes people go over the years. In the end I'd have to say that's all worked out for the best - Parr and O'Sullivan, O'Brien ... I think we've got a great club leadership group there which is well equiped to take us forward. So perhaps it was just a case of finding the right people and right combination.

In the end his legacy will be well and truly setting us up for future success. The club has come on in leaps and bounds under his leadership. And he leaves just as I think all those pieces have fallen into place, which is pretty perfect timing.
 
I hoped the new junior grandstand and accommodation would be finished before he left.
Building stuff for a fraction of what you would think is his best skill.
 
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