Whitehaven appear to have lost a valuable source of income with the decision to end the involvement of the club’s Vice Presidents.
The Vice Presidents put out a statement in which they expressed sadness at the decision but highlighted a fractured relationship with the current board.
The statement said: “After 14 years of fundraising and unwavering commitment, it is with great sadness that Des Byrne and Ron Batty have decided to conclude the Whitehaven Rugby League Vice Presidents.
“It is no secret that the relationship between the Vice Presidents and the club’s board has been fractured for some months.
“Des and Ron now feel this relationship is irretrievable and they are unable to support the club going forward.
“WRLVPs wish the club every success on and off the field for the 2025 season and many years to come.
“Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control we have been unable to notify our members of this statement and we sincerely apologise for this.
“Any queries from any members please feel free to respectfully contact Ron Batty or Vikki Byrne on behalf of Des Byrne to discuss further. We ask at this moment you do not contact Des directly.
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In response, the club issued a statement saying: “The board had a meeting with some of the VPs fundraising committee on Friday to try and find a way forward and unfortunately the VPs feel that they can’t move forward with the club.
“We are genuinely gutted about this as the VP’s have done so much for the club over the last 14 years and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them.
“The club would like to thank Des and Ron and the rest of the VPs for their effort and commitments not only in the fundraising but decades of time and effort they have put into the club.”
