Dockers want to have bigger say at Peel
Fremantle are poised to take a greater role in the running of their WAFL affiliate Peel by providing the club’s next chief executive.
While Thunder president John Ditchburn is set to take over the day-to-day running of the club after Bill Kostandas quit last week, the Dockers are likely to forge even closer links when a permanent replacement is appointed.
Ditchburn yesterday refused to say who would be running the club in the short term but it is understood that he would take on an executive role at the club at which he has presided for the past seven years.
Ditchburn has business interests in Mandurah but has previously taken a hands-on role at Peel.
He would not comment on Kostandas’ departure which followed several weeks of rising tensions between the board and chief executive over his performance and the operations of his private sports advisory business.
The former Wollongong soccer administrator is understood to have quit after negotiating a settlement with the club that could force Peel into the red again this year.
The West Australian reported this week that Kostandas asked for a $147,400 termination payment in return for his resignation.
Kostandas was Peel’s 10th chief executive in the 19 barren years of the club’s existence.
He helped the club return a $6000 profit last year, though that figure was aided by Peel not making an annual $50,000 loan repayment to the WA Football Commission.
Peel still owe the commission $300,000 over the 2008 bailout provided to prevent the club going broke.
Fremantle are also likely to have a greater say in the appointment of the next Peel coach and football manager. Coach Cam Shepherd’s contract expires at the end of this season.
