– Glen Atwell
PARKMORE Pirates could be forced to close its doors after financier Richard Houston quit the club just weeks after the Pirates won the Southern Football League division three premiership.
From winless in 2005 to a flag in 2006, it seems that the Pirates, touted as division two contenders in 2007, will now struggle to field a side and may have played their last game.
Two weeks ago Mr Houston told the club that he wanted it to relocate to the Bayside region and rebrand itself as the Bayside Demons in 2007.
However, before Parkmore had time to consider its options, Houston announced he had been appointed as coach of division one side St Kilda City.
In a second blow to the club, full-forward and division three league best and fairest winner Danny Casset, who is personally contracted to Mr Houston, will move with him to St Kilda City next year.
In a clear indication that trouble was brewing, Parkmore had not seen Mr Houston since grand final day.
“We’ve had one phone call to inform us he got the job with St Kilda City,” Parkmore football manager Mike Smyth said.
“Other than that, there has been nothing. He didn’t attend the league best and fairest and didn’t come to the Parkmore presentation night,” Smyth said.
Turn to Star Sport for the full story.
