Newcastle Knights’ former player Matt Gidley appointed as CEO of club - Rugby news
Former Australian Rugby League player and Newcastle Knights centre, Matt Gidley, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ausgrid Stadium based club. The decision of Gidley’s appointment was announced on Friday,
June 24.
The 33-year-old Gidley started his professional rugby league career with the Knights in 1996. He remained there for 10 seasons and made 221 appearances for the Knights. He scored 273 points for the Knights that include sixty-eight tries.
In 2007, Gidley joined the English professional rugby league side St Helens. He was a part of the team until the 2010 season. He made 105 appearances for St Helens and scored 172 points, which included 40 tries.
Gidley returned to the Knights in the role of Business Development Manager to look after corporate sales and spent the last eight months looking after the commercial aspects of the team. Commenting on his appointment as the overall in-charge
of his former club, he said, “I’m excited, I'll be hands on with the Rugby League operations.”
Gidley holds an advance degree in the Business Administration besides having over 15 years experience of playing the game. He has expressed his confidence that he can help the club to improve their financial conditions and their on-field
performance.
Newcastle Knights are currently placed in ninth position in the National Rugby League championship. They have won six of their 13 games in the season and have secured 16 points.
Gidley has expressed confidence in his team, which is lead by his younger brother, Kurt Gidley. Kurt has recently signed a new four-year deal to confirm his long-term stay at the Knights.
Gidley added that the team has the tendency to reach the top ladder of the championship even with the growing number of injuries to their first choice players.
Gidley is aware of St Helens' current injury problems but he remains confident they can make an impact in the play-offs. He said, “We're top four, hopefully the boys can get fit and healthy and charge into the semi-finals.”
Players and fans alike will be waiting to see what this experienced player and businessman will do next.
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