THIS is an open letter to Manly Sea Eagles management from Jeff Collerson, a News Limited journalist since 1968 but a Sea Eagles fanatic since 1951.
"As a member of the Sea Eagles football club (membership No.1061) and of the Leagues Club for 36 years (No.13221) I am sending back my tickets and severing all ties with the club following the shameful decision to axe Peter Peters.
I began following the Sea Eagles as a six-year-old in 1951, when Ken Arthurson was halfback.
My 14-year-old brother Barry and I would trek from our home in Harbord watching our beloved Manly-Warringah play at venues like Henson Park, Pratten Park and Cumberland Oval.
We queued for hours outside the Sydney Cricket Ground to snare tickets to Manly's grand final appearances and during the mid-1950s and early 60s watched with pride as our cousins, George Hugo and Bill Denoon, played in the maroon and white.
Over the years I believe five legends, through their enthusiastic efforts on and off the field, have emerged from this club.
They are Ken "Arko" Arthurson, Bob "Bozo" Fulton, Cliffy "Napper" Lyons, Steve "Beaver" Menzies and Peter "Zorba" Peters. What right have these officials, who have no real history or affiliation with the club, to punt a Manly icon like Zorba?
I suspected there was a hidden agenda when Peters was stood down for his innocuous "you're a good sort" remark and I've been proved right. At this stage I won't be attending another Manly game, although I reserve the right to change my mind if I can sit on the Brookie hill with Zorba."
"As a member of the Sea Eagles football club (membership No.1061) and of the Leagues Club for 36 years (No.13221) I am sending back my tickets and severing all ties with the club following the shameful decision to axe Peter Peters.
I began following the Sea Eagles as a six-year-old in 1951, when Ken Arthurson was halfback.
My 14-year-old brother Barry and I would trek from our home in Harbord watching our beloved Manly-Warringah play at venues like Henson Park, Pratten Park and Cumberland Oval.
We queued for hours outside the Sydney Cricket Ground to snare tickets to Manly's grand final appearances and during the mid-1950s and early 60s watched with pride as our cousins, George Hugo and Bill Denoon, played in the maroon and white.
Over the years I believe five legends, through their enthusiastic efforts on and off the field, have emerged from this club.
They are Ken "Arko" Arthurson, Bob "Bozo" Fulton, Cliffy "Napper" Lyons, Steve "Beaver" Menzies and Peter "Zorba" Peters. What right have these officials, who have no real history or affiliation with the club, to punt a Manly icon like Zorba?
I suspected there was a hidden agenda when Peters was stood down for his innocuous "you're a good sort" remark and I've been proved right. At this stage I won't be attending another Manly game, although I reserve the right to change my mind if I can sit on the Brookie hill with Zorba."