Absolutely. Desperate measures to get rid of one bloke's influence but at least the FFV is supporting the club to do so. 

Geez

Red Devils membership votes to form new NPL club

Brendan Wrigley@brendan_wrigley
16 Sep 2016, 8:18 a.m.

See your ad hereSee your ad hereMembers of the Ballarat Red Devils have voted unanimously to form a new entity which is set to become Ballarat’s National Premier Leagues club for 2017, all-but ensuring the demise of the current organisation.At a special meeting on Thursday night members were presented with two options for the future of the club.  The first would have seen the club continue under its current structure, where the current board would have resigned.The second option which was chosen was for members to request the club’s NPL license be assigned to a new legal entity. A letter of support for the proposal from Football Federation Victoria was tabled at the meeting, giving the board a green light to transfer the club’s license.Ballarat Red Devils director Michael Bardsley said a working party featuring senior members of the club had been set up to determine a name for the new entity, which would be decided in the next two months.  
The decision will remove the influence of the Ballarat Red Devils Investment Company, which is owned by former Red Devils chairman Duncan Smith. 
Smith was instrumental in securing the Reds’ place in the inaugural NPL season in 2014, and also played a big role in advocating for the development of the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility. 
Smith stepped down from the club’s top job in May last year. In March this year he had his membership revoked by the board for unbecoming behaviour.
Speaking to The Courier from England, Smith said he created the investment company up during the club’s expansion into the NPL to protect the history and the financial stability of the club.  Smith also denied allegations of poor behaviour during his time at the club. The new club’s structure will bring it in line with the vast majority of other clubs within the NPL competition.Red Devils board member Andrew Burgess said it was crucial a new club was formed to ensure it could truly represent the Ballarat region in the state competition.  
The club had been known as the Ballarat Soccer Club and Ballarat United prior to changing to its current name.
“This is not just a rebranding of what was the Red Devils,” Burgess said. “We will be going to the community and opening the new club to the entire region.“While we have tried hard to do that in the past the Red Devils have suffered as people still see the club as Ballarat Soccer Club rather than the region’s representative team.”Members of the Red Devils board have also previously hit out at the difficulty of running the club in conjunction to the investment company.  
The members club constitution allows three of the 11 board seats to be filled by representatives of the investment company, although these seats are currently vacant.  “(The current structure) places far too much importance on the investment company’s role in the running of the club,” Bardsley said in the lead-up to Thursday’s meeting at Morshead Park. The current board of the Red Devils comprised of Bardsley, Burgess, Katie Spurgo, Herman Bogers, Tony Irish and John Livingston will take control of the new organisation. 

Red Devils members call for special meeting into club's corporate structure

Brendan Wrigley@brendan_wrigley
23 Aug 2016, 5:31 p.m.

See your ad hereSee your ad hereMembers of the Ballarat Red Devils have called for a special meeting which could see a new club formed in order to change the organisation’s corporate structure. Special meeting: The Ballarat Red Devils will hold a special meeting on September 15 which could see a new club formed in order to change the club's governing structure.Set to be held at Morshead Park on September 15, club members will get to vote on a recommendation put forward by the Red Devils’ board which could remove the influence of the Ballarat Red Devils Investment Company, owned by former chairman Duncan Smith.  Under the club’s current structure, the investment company is allocated three of the 11 seats on the board, with six seats allocated to the members club and the remaining two allocated to the Ballarat and District Soccer Association.
Currently the investment company is not occupying any of its allocated seats.  Smith, who is currently overseas, is unable to fill a seat himself due to having his membership revoked earlier this year. Red Devils board member Michael Bardsley said the influence of the investment group made it difficult for the club to function independently.“The current corporate structure with the entanglement of the members club and the investment group doesn’t allow for appropriate governance,” Bardsley said.  “It places far too much importance on the investment company’s role in the running of the club.”
At the Red Devils’ 2015 annual general meeting in November, Bardsley and fellow board members John Livingston and Andrew Burgess were asked to look into the corporate management of the club.  Bardsley said the board would hand down their findings into at the special meeting. 
Any changes to the club structure would need the support of 75 per cent of the membership.The scheduled meeting comes as the Reds look to extend their National Premier Leagues license with Football Federation Victoria.  Ballarat was one of the first clubs to gain a license when the competition began in 2013. Smith has been contacted for comment.

Actually that happened, quite a few regional teams are in, which is great.

The pyramid is ok, the NPL and then the State Leagues vertically and the 12 affiliated regional leagues below them. Some teams have moved from the regional leagues to climb the State League ladder, like Sebastopol Vikings, but it'll be great to see some tiny teams have their chance to put themselves on the map with the cup.

James Robinson returns as Ballarat Red Devils coach for 2016

Jan. 29, 2016, 7:17 a.m.


AFTER months of turmoil, James Robinson has returned to the helm of the Ballarat Red Devils.

Robinson, who stepped down from the role in November, was last night announced as the head coach of the Reds for the 2016 NPLV2 season.

Robinson was reappointed with the full support of the players, according to a statement released last night.

“The board considered two applications and were unanimous in their decision to appoint James,” the statement read.

“James brings a wealth of coaching experience and local knowledge, along with an exciting vision for the future of the club.


“James was the 2015 NPLV Coach of the Year and is known to all for his dedication, drive and leadership.


“We believe he once again will prove to be of tremendous value to the club on and off the field, and provide direction throughout both the lunior academy and the senior playing group.

“The board also wishes to acknowledge the contribution of Savas Saglam during the past five weeks.

“The appointment of a technical director will soon be announced.”

The statement did not name the other applicant for the position.

It is not yet known if Salgam, the man who held the coaching position for just five weeks, will have a role at the club in the future.

Ballarat opens its NPLV2 West home and away season against Moreland Zebras at Morshead Park on Saturday, February 20.



http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3694192/robinson-returns-as-red-devils-coach/?cs=12


Edited by Damo Baresi: 29/1/2016 09:24:26 AM

As would I. The pyramid needs a good fix imo. It's very outdated.

Only the ones in the state pyramid were in previous editions, being the Red Devils and Sebastopol Vikings. Hopefully the door will be open this time or in the future for them and the other regional associations affiliated with FFV; I would love to see the Panthers, the mighty North Ballarat United, make a run!

Edited by paladisious: 24/1/2016 08:31:37 PM

Bump. Are local ballarat sides joining the cup.

At least there's one good news story: From Ballarat to Victory: Nigro’s journey to the A-League.

Another brilliant write up from The Corner Flag. =d>

What a debacle.

Members vote in new-look Red Devils administration
By David Brehaut
Jan. 21, 2016, 9:30 p.m.

A newly elected Ballarat Red Devils Football Club board of management has launched an immediate search for a new head senior coach.

The board, which met after being voted in at special meeting of club members attended by 150 people at Morshead Park on Thursday night, agreed to advertise the position without delay.

The board told The Courier that it wanted to make an appointment promptly, with the Reds scheduled to open their National Premier Leagues 2 West season with a home game against Moreland Zebras on Saturday, February 20.

James Robinson resigned as head coach in November after two seasons at the helm.

Savas Saglam, who attended the special meeting, was appointed to fill the vacancy in December.

However, his appointment was not supported by the Red Devils’ existing player group, who chose to train independently while waiting the outcome of the special meeting.

The new board’s first meeting confirmed it did not recognise Saglam’s appointment, with the previous committee of management having just two members – less than required to make the decision.

Last season’s Red devils under-20 coach Jonathan Davey will act as interim head coach until an appointment is made.,

John Livingston will initially lead Ballarat Red Devils Football Club’s new administration.

He has been elected chairman on a short-term basis, with the new board planning to rotate the role during an interim period and then a long-term appointment made.

The club has been without a chairman and operation board since the annual meeting in November last year.

Livingston was part of a three-man working group with Michael Bardsley and Andrew Burgess which led the calling of the special meeting and election of a new board.

Livingston, Bardsley, Burgess, Tony Irish and Michael Smith were elected by the meeting to the board – filling five of six board positions which must be elected by club members.

Herman Bogers and Yogan Moodley also join the 11-person board as the Ballarat District Soccer Association representatives.

Ballarat Red Devils Investments, which under the club’s constitution is entitled to have three representatives on the board, has two members on the new-look administration – Wayne Sandford and Graeme Smith.

Until Thursday night’s meeting, Sandford and Smith, were the only two remaining board members.


http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3679782/new-red-devils-begin-search-for-new-head-coach/?cs=3743

Edited by Damo Baresi: 22/1/2016 06:09:00 PM

Ballarat Red Devils members to vote in new board at special meeting

By David Brehaut
Jan. 20, 2016, 10:28 a.m.

MEMBERS will decide the future of the Ballarat Red Devils Football Club at a special meeting on Thursday night.

Club members will gather at Morshead Park to vote in a new board of management.

The Reds have been without a president and full board since the club’s annual meeting in November.

A working group of three, which was formed at the annual meeting, has organised the gathering to get the club “back on track”.

Members have the power to fill up to six vacancies, but only five nominations have been received.

The working group of Michael Bardsley, Andrew Burgess and John Livingston is part of a five-person ticket standing for the board of management. Tony Irish and Michael Smith have also nominated.

The balance of the 11-strong board will comprise three Ballarat Red Devils Investments representatives and two from Ballarat District Soccer Association.

Bardsley said the BDSA had advised the working group of its nominations, but attempts to source the names of BRDI representatives from the group’s chairman Duncan Smith had been unsuccessful.

He said they were expecting up to 100 members to attend the meeting at Morshead Park at 7pm. Proxy votes have also been received.

The group believes the club has about 200 members, but has been unable to get an official list.

Bardsley said nominations for the board would not be accepted from the floor.

He said although there was no clause in the club constitution dealing with the election of board members at special meetings, the provision which stated nominations had to be submitted at least 14 days before annual meetings was being followed.

Bardsley said if the working group’s ticket was elected, the new board would meet immediately after the special meeting on Thursday night, with the first task being to elect a president.

He said this meeting would also deal with coaching appointments and player lists, with the selection of a squad set for February 17.


http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3675316/reds-d-day-here/?cs=63

Edited by Damo Baresi: 22/1/2016 09:13:54 AM

Bloody ethnics holding the game back!

What a mess. Hopefully this board meeting sorts it out, otherwise the FFV would be remiss not to step in.

New Update

Ballarat Red Devils battling player split as season draws near
By Tim O'Connor
Jan. 13, 2016, 3:21 p.m.

TWO separate groups of players are training under the banner of the Ballarat Red Devils in a bizarre preparation to the new National Premier Leagues Victoria season.

Little more than a month out from the start of the Reds’ 2016 campaign, the club’s on-field make-up remains unclear.

A group of players – based largely in the Melbourne area – is training at Morshead Park under Savas Saglam, who has taken over the position of former coach James Robinson.

Another group – which incorporates most of the squad that played under Robinson last year – is going about its pre-season preparations at the club’s old home at Trekardo Park.

Saglam told The Courier he wanted the club to unite ahead of a tilt at promotion from the NPLV2 competition.

“I’m the senior coach of a club that’s entering an exciting phase and hopefully we can all work as one to make the club successful,” he said.

The group headed by Saglam is getting set for a practice match against Dandenong Thunder at Morshead Park from 3pm on Saturday, while the other players will have their own internal clash.


A possible resolution to the split could come following the much-anticipated special general meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday, January 21.

Here, the club is expected to fill vacancies on the board of management, a move which has been strongly advised by Football Federation Victoria.

FFV’s general manager football operations Matthew Annells said in an email to the club seen by The Courier that given the circumstances and that the current board of management consists of only three directors, it was inappropriate for it to make any material decisions in relation to the ongoing management of the club – on-field or off-field – until after this meeting.


http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3662141/reds-split/?cs=63


Edited by Damo Baresi: 13/1/2016 05:45:35 PM

Ballarat Red Devils senior players back club reform
By David Brehaut
Jan. 4, 2016


SENIOR players have thrown their support behind a members-driven group leading a campaign for Ballarat Red Devils (Members) Football Club governance reform.

A meeting of 25 Red Devils senior players on Sunday “unanimously” agreed to support a three-man working party which has undertaken a review of the club’s governance structure, and to back a special members’ meeting called for Thursday, January 21, with the main objective of forming a new board of management.

The club has been without a president and board since its annual meeting in November.

The players, in a prepared statement submitted to The Courier, said they would only play under a members-based led club administration. They said all senior players would either “sit out” the season or seek opportunities at other NPL clubs if the Ballarat Red Devils Investment Company, chaired by Duncan Smith, sought to control the club.

The player group stated that it was calling on Smith and the BRDIC to support returning the club to a fully-members operated club.

They said they had advised Smith of their position in November, which included not recognising BRDIC control of the club and any appointment made by it – including the appointment of Savas Saglan as head senior coach, which was announced by Smith in late December.

The working party of Michael Bardsley, Andrew Burgess and John Livingston informed The Courier late last month that BRDIC, which was operated by Duncan Smith, had no decision-making powers under the existing football club's governance structure.

The senior players’ statement also included that it would await the outcome of the working party review into governance structure and board election before committing to the club for 2016.

The players said they had advised Saglan of its position – asking him to respect it and requesting he have no contact with any player before the special meeting.

The players have been training independently of the club pending the meeting. They resume training on Monday after a break.


The Courier attempted to get in touch with Duncan Smith for his response to the statement, but was unsuccessful in making contact.


http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3635953/red-devils-players-threaten-boycott/?cs=62

Edited by Damo Baresi: 4/1/2016 08:36:36 AM

It sure does. I feel sorry for the new coach. He sounds well qualified and like a good choice.
Hopefully whoever is in charge of the Ballarat Red Devils keeps him and lets him do his job.

Sounds like a right kerfuffle.

Working party lays foundation for installment of new Red Devils board
By David Brehaut
Dec. 28, 2015, 1:50 p.m.

A member-driven group is planning to relaunch the Ballarat Red Devils Football Club.

A core group of members has called a special meeting for Thursday, January 21, with the primary objective of forming a legally constituted board and working to put a sustainable governance model in place which ensures the long-term viability of member-based club.

The club has been without a president and board since its annual meeting on November 10.

A working party of members Michael Bardsley, Andrew Burgess and John Livingston, appointed at the annual meeting, is leading the process.

The three-strong group has carried out a review of the club's governance structure and will report their findings to the special meeting.

Working party spokesman Michael Bardsley said with the club having been in limbo since the annual meeting, it was now time to get it back on track as the flagship of Ballarat soccer.

He said the first step would be the election of an 11-member board at the special meeting - six representatives from the club's membership base, two Ballarat District Soccer Association representatives and three Ballarat Red Devils Investment Company representatives.

Bardsley said the working party had put together a ticket of six members to stand for the board.

"They're committed and ready to work to get the club back to where it needs to be and should be."

Bardsley said it needed to be clarified that the Ballarat Red Devils Investment Company, which was operated by Duncan Smith, had no decision-making powers under the existing football club's governance structure.

He likened the company to a coterie group or sponsor.

Bardsley said while with three board members it had voting rights, the company under the chairmanship of Smith did not have the constitutional power to make any appointments on behalf of the club.

He said this meant that the appointment by Smith of Savas Saglam as Ballarat head coach for the National Premier League Victoria next season was not valid.

"Duncan cannot make coaching appointments as there is no governance structure within the members' club allows him to do so."

Bardsley said the upheaval, which also included the sudden departure of head coach James Robinson, and uncertainty surrounding the Ballarat Red Devils Football Club had done enormous damage to the code in Ballarat as well as the club.

He described the club environment was far from what it should be.

"There's no club atmosphere.

"It should be a place where families feel comfortable, with all levels of the game, from juniors through to the seniors, coming together."

Bardsley said importantly the working party had the support of Football Federation Victoria.

"They've endorsed the process."

He said FFV football operations general manager Matthew Annells was planning to attend the special meeting, which as was required under the Corporations Act had been called by more than five percent of the membership.

Bardsley said details of the meeting at the Ballarat Regional Football Facility on January 21 at 7pm had been distributed by letter to all club members.


http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3617720/special-meeting-to-relaunch-red-devils/?cs=62

Edited by Damo Baresi: 29/12/2015 04:58:20 PM

Reds’ new boss By Tim O'Connor
Dec. 27, 2015, 9:15 p.m.

THE experienced Savas Saglam is the man that will lead the Ballarat Red Devils into season 2016.

Saglam has been confirmed as the man to replace James Robinson, who stepped down as the club’s senior coach last month.

The 51-year-old was technical director at the Reds’ National Premier Leagues Victoria 2 rivals Whittlesea Ranges and is set to commence his new role at Morshead Park on January 4.

He arrives in Ballarat following senior coaching jobs at NPLV clubs Hume City, Richmond and Dandenong Thunder, as well as Melton Redsox, Fawkner Blues, Southern Stars and Essendon Royals.

Saglam said he was excited to be taking on the job and had clear ambitions about what he wanted to achieve during his time in Ballarat.

“I’m trying to regroup and set a base for us to succeed back in the main NPL,” he said.

“It might not happen in the first year, but eventually.”

Saglam told The Courier he wanted to achieve success with a large base of Ballarat boys.

“I’ve got a big network of players, but I don’t want to just bring in my own players. I want to use the boys that are there and then once I assess the situation, then I’ll bring in the required replacements that we think can strengthen them,” he said.

Saglam said Robinson – who took the Reds to fourth place last season – had left him a good platform to begin with.

“I know that James did a great job and he has set me up a good base,” he said.

“I look to further expand on that base that he set up.”

Saglam believed he had plenty to offer the club with his vast experience and added that the new facility at Morshead Park was one of the best in the state.

Red Devils chairman Duncan Smith said Saglam’s experience was one of the big factors in securing his appointment.

“We spoke with a number of coaches that were interested in the job, but in the end we believe that Savas is and was the best candidate for the club,” Smith said.

“He knows Victorian football inside out and is just the coach to take the club forward.”

Smith said Saglam had a long playing and coaching history.

“Experience on and off the pitch was massive for us and in Savas, he has that in spades,” he said.

“Not only has he been coaching at the best level that you can in Victoria with three clubs in the NPLV, he also played in the NSL with Brunswick Juventus and was with Turkish and European giant Galatasaray in the 1980s.

“Savas is really excited about the challenge ahead and is very keen to hit the ground running.

“He has already spoken to a number of good young players from Melbourne who are looking at joining the club for what promises to be an exciting season for the Reds fans.”

The Reds kick-off their new campaign with a home clash against Moreland Zebras on February 20 next year.


http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3617074/reds-new-boss/?cs=3743

Edited by Damo Baresi: 29/12/2015 04:54:34 PM

Big news in Ballarat; James Robinson quitting as Red Devils head coach, submitting his resignation with immediate effect via email with no forewarning, and Jason Davidson's old man Alan has joined as Youth Football Manager.

RED DEVILS: Chairman Duncan Smith speaks out By Melanie Whelan May 1, 2015, 6:12 p.m.

BALLARAT Red Devils chairman Duncan Smith says this city only gets one chance at getting it right at competing in National Premier Leagues Victoria - fail and it will take a long time to break back into the state's best ranks, if the city can earn its way back in at all.

Smith told The Courier on Friday said he was prepared to take a whack by calling an open forum for club members and supporters at Morshead Park on Thursday night via an emotive email.

He was confident the meeting achieved what he intended and that was to get all parties involved on the same page to move the club forward. Just get people talking.

Smith's call came midway through the second NPLV season with the Reds, like a string of their rivals, working through teething issues.

For the Reds, issues come back to strengthening a club environment for seniors and juniors, and restructuring club governance.

"All I want, in a nutshell, is for everybody associated with the club and wants to see it do well to put their hands up, pull together and do something," Smith said.

"...I understand everybody at other clubs if focused on their clubs but they develop their players to be the best they can. We develop our players so they can play at better levels...either everyone is in it or no-one is in it."

The Red Devils' Academy fields six junior teams in NPLV competition and an under-20 team as part of its senior arm.

Smith said the intention was for keep a strong pathway in the sport for all talented Ballarat footballers - juniors cannot remain in the competition without seniors and vice-versa.

An NPLV club also helped, Smith said, in drawing professional teams to Ballarat for practice matches or training camps, like Bahrain's national team ahead of the Asian Cup, which had good flow-on effects for city.

Long-time Reds committee member Stan Burns said there were already positive responses in the wake of the meeting.

Reds senior players had already volunteers to play a more active role with junior team training and match days.

The club had been working with council to install club honour boards and memorabilia to help promote a stronger club feel at its new Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility home base.

Burns said there was still a lot of work ahead to bolster the club financially and in community standing, but good steps were underway.


http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3050692/red-devils-chairman-duncan-smith-speaks-out/?cs=3743

RED DEVILS: NPLV to meet with Ballarat By Tim O'Connor May 1, 2015, 6:19 p.m.

THE head of National Premier Leagues Victoria will meet with the Ballarat Red Devils today amidst revelations of the club's off-field struggle.

NPLV chief Liam Bentley said he and Red Devils chairman Duncan Smith will engage in talks prior to the club's clash with Murray United in Ballarat this afternoon.

Bentley told The Courier Football Federation Victoria had been in contact with the Red Devils over a number of weeks and were aware of the reasons behind Thursday night's crisis meeting at Morshead Park.

Close to 100 people attended the meeting - controlled by Reds committee member Stan Burns - to discuss the club's long-term survival.

"Ballarat Red Devils is a valued regional NPL club," Bentley said.

"FFV will continue to engage with and consult the club and its stakeholders in working through any issues to resolve the best way forward for 2015 and beyond."

When quizzed on FFV's ability to assist with the Red Devils' financial troubles, Bentley said he was unable to comment on specific matters.

"However, as part of the NPL Participation Licence, each club is required to submit its financial statements and budget to FFV," he said.

"We are in the process of collecting this from all clubs, which will help us gain a better view of the financial position of each club and any areas in which we can assist."

The Red Devils progressed from its place in FFV's state league competition and joined the inaugural NPLV competition in 2014, but were relegated to NPLV1 after a final-round loss last season.

The senior team is seventh on the table after nine games in 2015, having gone the past three matches unbeaten.


http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3050718/red-devils-nplv-to-meet-with-ballarat/?cs=3743

RED DEVILS: Coach James Robinson calls for unity By Pat Nolan May 1, 2015, 6:18 p.m.
Ballarat Red Devils head coach James Robinson.
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BALLARAT Red Devils head coach James Robinson says his players and coaching staff are as united as ever in the wake of the club's financial and management woes.

The Reds held a crisis meeting on Thursday night, in which the future of the club was put on the table.

The squad continued to train while the meeting was held, with the players briefed afterwards about the club's future direction.

Robinson admitted there were clear issues that had arisen in the Reds' second season in the National Premier Leagues Victoria competition, but that there was steely commitment to ensure the club would survive.

"Nothing grows without pain and yes, we are going through a bit of pain at the moment," he said.

"It's been a tough week for the football club but with our backs against the wall we need to show unity.

"We're going to stick together and work through this."

Robinson signed a two-year contract extension late last year and on paper is committed to the McDonalds Reds until at least the end of the 2016 season.

He guaranteed he would see out the contract with a burning desire to see Ballarat grow as a soccer club.

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"I'm a part of the club, I love this football club," he said.

"I moved my family down to live in Ballarat, if I was not 100 per cent committed to the club then I would not have done that."

Robinson also quick to quash any rumour that the club would fold in the near future.

"Absolutely not," he said.

"The feedback that has come back since the meeting has been mostly positive.

"We understand where we are at. It's across Victoria where clubs are having difficulties like this. There are a few issues that need to be addressed now."

The Reds will meet Murray United at Morshead Park in a rich vein of form, coming of back-to-back league wins, as well as an upset FFA Cup win over Bentleigh Greens.

http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3050714/red-devils-coach-james-robinson-calls-for-unity/?cs=71

RED DEVILS: Coach James Robinson calls for unity By Pat Nolan May 1, 2015, 6:18 p.m.
Ballarat Red Devils head coach James Robinson.
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BALLARAT Red Devils head coach James Robinson says his players and coaching staff are as united as ever in the wake of the club's financial and management woes.

The Reds held a crisis meeting on Thursday night, in which the future of the club was put on the table.

The squad continued to train while the meeting was held, with the players briefed afterwards about the club's future direction.

Robinson admitted there were clear issues that had arisen in the Reds' second season in the National Premier Leagues Victoria competition, but that there was steely commitment to ensure the club would survive.

"Nothing grows without pain and yes, we are going through a bit of pain at the moment," he said.

"It's been a tough week for the football club but with our backs against the wall we need to show unity.

"We're going to stick together and work through this."

Robinson signed a two-year contract extension late last year and on paper is committed to the McDonalds Reds until at least the end of the 2016 season.

He guaranteed he would see out the contract with a burning desire to see Ballarat grow as a soccer club.

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"I'm a part of the club, I love this football club," he said.

"I moved my family down to live in Ballarat, if I was not 100 per cent committed to the club then I would not have done that."

Robinson also quick to quash any rumour that the club would fold in the near future.

"Absolutely not," he said.

"The feedback that has come back since the meeting has been mostly positive.

"We understand where we are at. It's across Victoria where clubs are having difficulties like this. There are a few issues that need to be addressed now."

The Reds will meet Murray United at Morshead Park in a rich vein of form, coming of back-to-back league wins, as well as an upset FFA Cup win over Bentleigh Greens.

http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3050714/red-devils-coach-james-robinson-calls-for-unity/?cs=71

Red Devils hold crisis meeting in long-term survival strategy By MELANIE WHELAN April 30, 2015, 11:30 p.m.
Duncan Smith and Wayne Sandford

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BALLARAT Red Devils have reached a fork in the road to the club’s long-term survival.

The Reds declared a crisis meeting at Morshead Park on Thursday night as an open forum for members, Academy parents, key stakeholders and supporters to voice concerns and ideas on how best to move forward as an entity in Football Federation Victoria competition.

Central to the club’s issues was governance structure, particularly since the city’s marquee soccer team moved from FFV state league two into the newly formed National Premier Leagues Victoria.

Long-time Reds committee member Stan Burns said there had been growing pains for the club that had become more evident midway through what is the second NPLV season.

Burns said it was vital the club met with supporters to better reconnect as a club internally, between senior and junior arms, and externally with the community.

The club presented a proposal for a more formalised board with four Academy and four senior representatives, with the opportunity to include independent business members or those with specialised sports governance experience.

Ballarat Red Devils’ existing structure was pieced together by chairman and key benefactor Duncan Smith to help launch the club in the NPLV.

Burns said it was time the club operated more on a standard business model, matching income and expenditure.

Smith wrote an emotive email to members and key stakeholders, calling the meeting, and effectively outlining the need for change.

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Burns, who quashed initial suggestions the club was under threat of folding, said transparency going forward was the key and it was important to answer all questions served up from the floor.

“I think in the end people were happier. I’ll wait for more feedback to come, but that was the initial feedback,” Burns said.

“We’ve made enormous strides as a club but a lot of clubs are having problems making the adjustment (to NPLV).

“Are we totally secure financially? No, we’re not.

“We have the intention to do everything in our power to meet every commitment we’ve made this season.

“We don’t have all the funding there to do that at the moment but we’re much more confident now we can do this.”

Members and supporters repeatedly raised a lack of confidence in the club, and unwillingness to volunteer, under the existing club structure and culture.

This included, but was not limited to, supporter code of conduct issues at senior and junior matches, poor community engagement and social media promotion.

Academy parents also said there was a disconnect between the club’s senior and junior players.

A separate meeting with the senior team on Thursday night delivered a commitment from NPLV players to spend more time at Academy matches, training and club functions.

The Courier understands at least six NPLV clubs have held similar meetings with members.

The Red Devils field six Academy talent teams in NPLV and an under-20 team with its senior side.

melanie.whelan@fairfaxmedia.com.au


http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3049289/ballarat-soccer-crisis-devils-in-red-and-future-on-line/?cs=61



Edited by Joffa: 1/5/2015 07:33:16 PM