Legends back calls for owner change at Gnoll
A GROUP of almost 70 Neath RFC past players have called for a change of ownership at the crisistorn club.
They have put their names to a public letter that has been published on the club’s official website.
Those who have endorsed the message include ex-stars Kevin Phillips, Rowland Phillips, Barry Williams, Martyn Morris, Dai Parker, Huw Richards, Paul Thorburn, Steve Williams, Duncan Jones and John Davies.
Former Wales flanker Morris had sent out an email to players whose addresses he had, with responses said to have come back promptly.
Neath are in the grip of the most worrying period in their 147-year history, one that has seen a glut of players and coaches depart, with volunteers who have been helping to run the club saying they are also unable to fulfil their roles.
A winding-up order has been fought off against Neath Rugby Limited but there remains uncertainty and a section of supporters have intensified calls for owner Mike Cuddy, below, to hand over the reins.
Cuddy’s construction business collapsed earlier this year.
Now 68 past players have intervened in the form of a public note.
It runs: “As past players of Neath RFC we wish to place on public record our grave concerns at the present position that Neath Rugby Club find themselves. Over recent weeks the club has generated media headlines for all the wrong reasons, causing the club great embarrassment and shame.
“Our playing days are now behind us, but we like to think we are people who played a small part in establishing the worldwide reputation of Neath RFC and we are extremely saddened by the current situation.
“Without further delay we would like to see the ownership of the rugby club passed on to others who are in a position to take responsibility for the day to day operation of the club. Every day this crisis goes on is another day where Neath RFC could cease to exist.
“As former players we echo the recent sentiments expressed by the AM for Neath, Mr Jeremy Miles: ‘What matters is the rugby, the club and the town and I would urge the owners of the company to prioritise the interests of the club and supporters over the financial dispute they are facing.’
“Regards, Martyn Morris (chairman of Neath Former Players Association), Matthew Mccarthy, Huw Woodland, Mike Thomas, Rowland Phillips, Kevin Phillips, Mike Whitson, Darren Case, Dai Parker, Dennis Davey, Mike Richards, Jeff Price, Gareth Pudner, Ian Callaghan, Gareth Weaver, Joe Funnell, Adam Jackson, Eddie Davies, Steve Williams, Geraint Davies, Mike Morgan, Mark Glover, David Glover, David Jenkins, Dr Arnold Williams, Rob Hughes, Andrew Millward, Dennis Davies, Graham Davies, Marc Jones, Kevin James, Lloyd Isaac, Glenn Morgan, Lee Jarvis, Guy Antoniazzi, Anthony Edwards, Gareth King, Aubrey Evans, Roy Jones, Cerith Thomas, Cliff Morgan, John Pritchard, Tim Waldron, Ian Boobyer, David Richards, Carl Gnojek, Dai Jenkins, Neil Lucas, Paul Thorburn, Aled Bevan, Andrew Ford, Barry Williams, Chris Abrahams, Ian Rees, Ieuan Dobbs, Keeron Jones, Neale Harris, Nick Jones, Peter Davies, Ray James, Scott Eggar, Steve Martin, Huw Richards, Gareth Jones, Duncan Jones, John Davies, Richard Johnson.”
Cuddy issued a statement a week last Friday saying he is considering three options: 1), that he remains in charge, which he says he doesn’t want to do because of his poor health; 2), that he hands the club over to a supporters group; 3), that he brings in other investors with whom he is in discussions.
Neath couldn’t fulfil their Principality Premiership fixture with RGC 1404 last weekend, the second time the club have had to cancel a fixture in three weeks.
In a statement on their website, Neath said they were hopeful the game with RGC could be rearranged in the new year.