Carlton chiefs have defended the handling of Stephen Silvagni’s exit during an online club members forum on Monday night.
Blues fans were able to quiz the likes of President Mark LoGiudice, Head of Football Brad Lloyd and CEO Cain Liddle on various issues within the club, with Silvagni’s departure a hot topic of discussion.
A conflict of interest between Silvagni and his sons Jack and Ben – who are both on the club’s list – was the reason stated by Carlton when the parting of ways was confirmed last week.
“We were completely transparent with the messaging around Stephen's contract not being renewed,” Liddle wrote.
“To have the club’s most senior list management staff member not take part in key discussions and decisions regarding the playing list and the broader operations of the football department became an increasingly challenging issue that was not in the best interests of the Carlton Football Club.”
Member Sash Nikolovski fired up over Carlton’s treatment of Silvagni and the reasoning behind his exit.
“I am appalled by the Board decision to remove Stephen Silvagni from his position,” Nikolovski wrote.
“Even more appalling was the decision to use his two sons as justification. The CEO has a lot to answer for as does the rest of the board. Is this how you treat the person who has rebuilt the list??”
Liddle "accepted and acknowledged" the decision would upset some Carlton members, but says it was one that was made in the best interests of the club.
“No-one is questioning the role that Stephen played in rebuilding the list. I and others at the Club have noted on many occasions the improvements that have been made," Liddle wrote.
“The easy decision would have been to let the situation continue which was not seeing the football department running at its optimal level.
"The much tougher decision is to bring someone else in who can play a part in all relevant decisions and discussions that take place within the football department.”
Carlton is yet to finalise a replacement for Silvagni in the role of list and strategy.