Axed Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe has broken his silence, claiming there’s been no person “more bitterly disappointed than me” after back-to-back wooden spoons.
Pascoe was ousted from his position after the full Tigers board were dismissed following the results of an internal review into the club.
After 12 years outside the finals, Pascoe believes the merger club have never been in a stronger position to improve under rookie coach Benji Marshall.
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“For eight years I’ve felt the frustrations of the fans and our partners and there’s no one more bitterly disappointed than me,” Pascoe said to the SMH.
“It burns every time we lose a game. But the club is in a position that’s far better than it has ever been in my lifetime in regards to development and talent, rosters, coaches.
“The fans and partners who have stuck solid by the club for a long time should be really comfortable the club will have success.”
Former NSW premier Barry O’Farrell has been appointed interim chairman of the Tigers and veteran administrator Shane Richardson has taken over Pascoe’s role.
Pascoe backed the review which eventually saw him removed from the Tigers’ board, and also explained he understood the “frustration” of fans who protested during games.
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A banner which read “end the Pascoe fiasco” was removed by CommBank staff during a November clash against the Dolphins.
“I don’t watch or look at social media or the TV shows. The only time I ever saw things was when my mates would send me through images or captions of people making fun of me,” he said.
“They thought it was hilarious. The only thing I will say, while it doesn’t affect me, my concern was more about the staff at the club and my family.
“It’s never nice. It’s passion. It’s sport. I get it. The passion the fans have, when the club is successful this year, they will turn it from disappointment to excitement.”
Pascoe also said Marshall will be “oustanding” at the helm in his rookie season.
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