We welcome Mr Brailey's (the President of Back to Belmore) input to these discussions, however, we are disappointed he didn't speak to us before going to the press.  Further, his comments seem somewhat misinformed. 

Far from 'bickering' Sydney Olympic FC is simply trying to get a fair go in its usage of the BSG and the completion of the Peter Moore field works.  Nearly $10M of taxpayers moneys has been spent on this important community facility – which was to provide a home to Sydney Olympic to play its matches and as a training facility.  It has played 3 home rounds at BSG this year and has not trained there at all. It is currently being used exclusively as the Bulldogs 'Centre of Excellence' training facility.

The Club therefore takes exception to the suggestion it is 'bickering' – this is more serious than that.  It is demanding that it be given its fair usage of the Ground – which has been its home for some 13 years, during which time the Bulldogs gave up their usage and moved to Homebush.  The Club also objects to the tone of the comments and statements that its connections and affinity with the Ground is 'tenuous' . 


The upgrade of BSG was also for its benefit (read the Government grant applications) and it is clearly a venue that is appropriate for football – do we need to remind your readers that over 10,000 supporters attended the NSWPL Grand Final at the BSG last September.  As Mr Brailey notes, the BSG is a multi-sports facility, however, at the present time it is being treated as the exclusive domain of the Rugby League code.

The Club expects to have the commitments made to it honoured and looks forward to seeing out the tenure of its long term lease.  

The Back to Belmore Media Statement can be found here.