Rugby League News

“Only so much kicking a man can get” – Fans react to CEO’s departure

by
Sam Cook
March 9, 2023

Wakefield Trinity have announced that their CEO Michael Carter will step down from his role prior to the end of 2023.

It comes as a big loss for Trinity with Carter having served the club well for just shy of a decade.

Carter and the club made the announcement via their website with the following statement.

Carter said: “As I continue into my 10th year as Custodian of this Club, I have been pondering my future and the future of the game in much detail and ultimately I have decided to stand down as CEO and as a director of the club by the end of 2023.

“We have achieved so much in recent years, as anyone visiting the Be Well Support Stadium at Belle Vue can see – and there is so much more the club will achieve in the years ahead. For me however it is time to move on. I look forward to staying close to the club going forward – but as strictly as a fan, sponsor and volunteer!”

John Minards, the club chairman, added: “While today’s announcement will come as a surprise to many, it is something Michael and I have been discussing for many months. It is nonetheless very much the end of an era for our club.

“As Michael says, we are continuing with our plans to drive the club forward in the context of the redeveloped stadium and there will be further announcements as the season progresses.

“Michael will be with us as CEO potentially until the end of this season and his actual departure from the role will be the appropriate time to pay proper tribute to his immense contribution. For now I would just want to express a huge thank you to Michael for all that he and his family have done for all of us. Put simply, without him there would not be a Wakefield Trinity today.

“Michael, we thank you!”

Similar to Minards, fans have also had their say and it’s a case of dismay over his departure.

To all the Michael Carter haters, you have finally got your wish. I hope you lot are happy without Michael. we wouldn't have a Wakefield Trinity all the best. Michael, hope it all goes well for you and your wife

— captain scarlet (@DavidWe06688048) March 9, 2023

Fans were keen to point out that haters would be regretting their wishes.

Thank you Michael for what you've done for the club over the past decade wouldn't have been here without you.
To all the haters hope your bloody happy now you've got your wish

— THE TRIN (@Michell57045357) March 9, 2023

One even suggested that people could only get “so much kicking”.

Only so much kicking a man can get.
Good luck Michael 👍

— Big Dave28 (@Dave28Big) March 9, 2023

The overall sentiment was that of gratitude for how he saved the club.

https://twitter.com/PhilTay17094326/status/1633872604766543872?s=20

Sad day for the club. I have seen first hand the work Michael has put into our club and without him I have no doubt we would have no club. Thank you Michael. https://t.co/6XpE5D0pDg

— Martin Hopkins 😎 (@hoppo07) March 9, 2023

Thank you for saving the club from liquidation all those years ago and for finally delivering on long awaited ground that we desperately needed. You’re leaving the club is in a better place than where you found it. https://t.co/DUh4uuQPex

— Down at Belle Vue (@downatbellevue) March 9, 2023

Others were more cynical and referenced the fact the announcement came in line with IMG’s grading criteria, of which it’s believed Wakefield won’t make grade A.