Edwards urges members to get to Tinkler talk
Newcastle Herald
Monday March 28, 2011
KNIGHTS members will get an opportunity to hear firsthand the plans billionaire Nathan Tinkler has for the club at an information meeting at Newcastle Panthers tonight.Tinkler will address the meeting and take questions on his offer to buy the NRL club.The meeting is the last planned before the ballot on Thursday at which members will vote on the offer.Tinkler needs 75 per cent of the vote in favour for the mining magnate to assume control of the financially embattled Knights.Tinkler has previously met with the old boys club and other groups but this is the first time he has been available to all members. Tinkler Sports Group executive chairman Ken Edwards, who will also address the meeting, said they expected a crowd of up to 1500 at the forum."It is a great opportunity for members to listen to us present our case and our credentials," Edwards said."It is a great opportunity to ask any questions they still might have, and it is a great opportunity for members to lodge their proxy vote and get it done. To get out two nights - Monday and Thursday - might be difficult for some. It is an opportunity for some to come and listen and lodge their proxy."It is the first time Nathan has been available to talk to all members. It is not just voting members we are inviting."A big part of what we want to do in the future is build on the current members club and making it bigger and more vibrant."Tinkler's offer, which has been endorsed by the Knights board, wipes out the club's debt of more than $3.5 million, underwrites sponsorship for at least $10 million a year for 10 years and is backed by a $20 million bank guarantee."We are getting strong support everywhere we go but our greatest concern is that too many people will think it is such a good offer that it is over the line and they don't need to vote," Edwards said. "We are urging people that do believe in what we are trying to do with the Knights to make sure they get their proxy in."The meeting starts at 7pm. Members will have to show their membership card if they want to submit a proxy.
© 2011 Newcastle Herald
