BENDIGO Spirit chairman Greg Bickley has described questioning of the board's support of the club as “offensive”.
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The board has come under fire this week for its handling of coach Bernie Harrower’s future, with Harrower slamming the board for not doing enough to promote the club.
Spirit fans also questioned the board’s support of the playing group after no board members made the trip to Townsville for the WNBL grand final.
Bickley defended the board, saying the Spirit wouldn’t have played in the Women’s National Basketball League this season without the current board’s influence.
“Members of the board wouldn’t have underwritten $250,000 worth of borrowing if they weren’t committed,’’ Bickley said.
“The suggestion that the board doesn’t support the club is, quite frankly, offensive.
“50 per cent of the club’s funding comes from around that boardroom table on top of borrowing $250,000 to keep the club operational.
“Anyone who questions the board support is misguided. People shouldn’t judge the board on whether or not they attend games.
“I challenge anybody to question their support once they know what the board does off the court just in terms of financial support.
“If the board hadn’t have acted last year, the club wouldn’t have operated this year.
“If anyone thinks they can do a better job they’re welcome to put their hand up, they are welcome to put their hand up and take on the debt and give guarantees that they are personally liable for it.
“Stories are out there questioning our commitment, it’s now time we informed people of the facts.
“The last thing we want is to see another elite sporting club in Bendigo fold.”
Bickley admitted the club had not performed off the court as strongly as it would have hoped this season, but the board was already working on implementing new ideas for next season.
Bickley met with coach Harrower on Thursday to discuss this season, while exit interviews with players continue.
Bickley said the club was closing in on appointing a new general manager.