Smit hailed for open letter
|Published
The picture that inspired John Smit's letter. The picture that inspired John Smit's letter.
Durban
Ex-players have backed the “brave decision” by Sharks chief executive John Smit to write an open letter to supporters in which he addressed some of the concerns raised by frustrated fans.
The Durban side has won just four games out of 11 this Super Rugby season, which included hammerings at the hands of the Crusaders and Highlanders, leading to a public outcry.
This compelled Smit to respond in writing, admitting that he understood the “barrage of criticism” that has been aimed at him and other senior members of the franchise, but he reiterated their willingness to do whatever it took to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Legendary former Sharks lock, Mark Andrews, said he thought Smit had done the right thing in writing to the fans.
“You can’t con the supporters; things haven’t gone well and it’s vital to be open and honest about that. At a time like this, when the team is struggling, communication is crucial, and I think John’s done well to get this message and explanation out to the public.”
However, Andrews said it was also a courageous move to accept accountability in such a manner.
“It could be a double-edged sword in that if you’ve opened up like this, and then going forward the problems aren’t sorted out, then the trust will have broken down with the supporters. John is a principled person and I’m sure he felt an obligation to the fans to explain where things have gone wrong, especially after all the expectation that had been built up in the pre-season.”
Former Sharks hooker John Allan said he took his hat off to Smit for taking this step.
“It’s admirable to put everything out in the open, and welcome people to comment. He’s accepted he’s made mistakes and taken responsibility.”
Allan said what he had been most pleased by were the reports of the Sharks’ financial turnaround, with an increase in sponsorship revenue by 67% from 2013 to 2015, as well as a R22 million rand swing in 2014 to rectify the financial issues of 2013.
“What’s ironic is that when John was appointed, everyone thought that commercially he would struggle, but that he would get things right on the field. The Sharks were in a dire situation financially when he arrived, and with perhaps limited commercial knowledge, he’s plugged the holes in a ship that would otherwise have sunk.
“He’s turned that around, but the reality is that he will be judged by what happens on the field,” Allan added. “So now I really just think he needs to focus 100 percent on what goes on in that regard going forward. I hope the fans will be patient.”
Sharks commercial and marketing manager, Eduard Coetzee, also explained some of the reasoning behind the letter.
“I think John just wanted a way to speak directly to the public. This wasn’t about trying to put a spin on things or papering over any cracks. We are fully aware that this really hasn’t been a good season, but in the middle of a competition there is only so much you can do. We just want to now take the necessary steps to ensure it never happens again.”
Coetzee said they understood the frustration of fans, but called for them to stick with the team.
“People are really passionate about sport, and we’re not asking them to be happy right now and we’re not hiding away from anything. But we want the public to know that we’re working really hard and that we won’t stop until we get things back on track. It’s looking good on the business side of things, and now we want to ensure that happens with the rugby as well.”
The public tweets:
Tom Dawson-Squibb @TheSportingMind: Mistakes have been made,but there is class in this letter from @JohnSmit123. Many other CEO’s in SAsport would not take this tone! Good work
Gareth Rosslee @GarethRosslee: Seeing John Smit’s promise to turn the Sharks around and they news they’ve signed Jacques Potgieter minutes apart. Slay me dead!
Darren Maule @darrenmaule: Wow! This heartfelt @JohnSmit123 open letter to all #CellCSharks fans.
Sershin Iyer @Sershin_Iyer: @JohnSmit123 Just read ur letter to the fans. I look forward to the future u have planned for the team. #sharksfanforlife #winning
Estelle Lutge ?@Estelle_ZA: @JohnSmit123 thnks 4 ur letter 2 Sharks fans. Sharks/fan relationship is like a marriage “richer & poorer, good times &bad”! #SharksForever
Thabiso ?@eltido: @JohnSmit123 thnk u 4 da letter 2 da supporters, ur honesty nd clarity has made us all proud of u guys even in dire stains...love u guys