Paddy is furious with rule breaking
Oct 16 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
NEWCASTLE Vipers chairman Paddy O’Connor is relieved to finally be competing on equal terms this weekend, but furious it is not the case every week.
The former Great Britain international is promising action if some Elite League clubs do not fall into line with the likes of Newcastle, Hull Stingrays and Edinburgh Capitals.
O’Connor alleged rivals Sheffield Steelers, Belfast Giants and Coventry Blaze are not sticking to financial rules.
“I think it’s become apparent the spending and corporate governance of certain clubs has been very poor,” he said. “The wage cap has not been kept to.
“Certainly Sheffield, certainly Belfast, and Coventry to a certain extent are paying double the wage bill we are. You might be able to hide that in football, but in hockey it’s identifiable.”
O’Connor hinted at drastic action if his words go unheeded.
“It’s up to me as owner if this club is to deal with it,” he said. “I will always support the best interests of this club. I personally need to get a strong grip on some of the owners and directors in this league.
“I’m severely disappointed. People have to be careful. I’ve brought a sensible, business-sense approach to the club. It doesn’t bode very well for the future of the league in this current format.
“Whatever we need to do to continue hockey in the North East is what we will do with the Vipers. I’m not afraid to make tough decisions, I’ve been making them all my life.
“There are some good people around the boardroom table, but a few reckless ones. The ones who don’t want to be part of it, maybe it’s time they moved on to pastures new because I won’t be doing business with them.
“We could do with strengthening in a few departments but we can’t afford to.”
Today’s visitors, Hull, and Edinburgh, Newcastle’s hosts tomorrow, are part of the “mini-league” of realists. As well as testing the revamped Vipers’ progress, O’Connor will also be examining attitudes.
“This weekend is an acid test for people if they want to be here,” he said. “If needs be I will make the necessary changes and give (player-coach) Danny Stewart all the support he needs.”
Whitley Warriors travel to Coventry Blaze in today’s English National League Division One North, before welcoming Blackburn tomorrow. Northern Stars are at Sheffield Steelhawks today.
