Lyall Gorman named Cronulla Sharks new Chief Executive

In a widely anticipated appointment, former Western Sydney Wanderers Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman has been appointed Chief Executive of the troubled Cronulla Sharks NRL club.

Gorman, who was behind the Wanderers' hugely successful formation, will oversee the rugby league club and its licensed leagues club in addition to the development of 650 residential units on land next to the team's home ground at Cronulla's Shark Park.

With Sharks Chairman Damian Keogh believing that the property development will secure the organisation's financially viability, Gorman's appointment comes at a crucial time for the Sharks. The Club has been beset by several scandals in recent years, most notably the investigations by the Australian Sport Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) which resulted in 10 current and former players being banned from the game.

Introducing Gorman in his new role and explaining that Gorman shares the board's vision for the future of the club, Keogh stated "the appointment heralds a new beginning for the Sharks.

"Lyall has a mandate to take this club into the future and through the meetings with myself and other Board members during the recruitment process it is clear we share a vision for the type of club we want to build.

"While known for his recent accomplishments as a football administrator, Lyall has a strong background in rugby league as a player, coach and referee over many years and we welcome him back to the sport in this significant role with the Cronulla Sharks."

Facing the challenge of getting the Club back on track following the lengthy ASADA investigation, Gorman stated "I have no doubt this club has the fundamental principles and platform in place to be one of the best football clubs in Australia

"The past will never equal our future, we have a very clear vision and strategy as to where we want to grow the club.

"We have a strong playing group and a board that has given management the mandate to charter the future of the club."

An early task for Gorman will be to find a major sponsor for the Sharks, who have not had a significant front-of-shirt contract since the end of 2012, a task made harder by the ASADA investigation stain.

Prior to his role with the Wanderers, Gorman was Head of the A-League for Football Federation Australia and Executive Chairman of the Central Coast Mariners.

23rd August 2014 - NRL PLAYERS ACCEPT BANS IN ASADA INQUIRY

5th June 2014 - LYALL GORMAN TO PART COMPANY WITH WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS