By Mark Stevens, Herald Sun
Joseph Gutnick has broken his silence on Melbourne’s plight, indicating he could re-emerge as a financial saviour. Gutnick returned to the Demons for the first time in eight years yesterday and refused to rule out pitching in significantly more than his membership subscription.
“I wouldn’t rule out anything. Business is going OK,” Gutnick told the Herald Sun.
The reclusive former president pumped $2.4 million into Melbourne before departing after a bitter mid-season boardroom battle in 2001.
Current president Jim Stynes has turned peace-maker, luring back Gutnick and other former leaders, including Paul Gardner and Gabriel Szondy.
Gutnick arrived at the MCG for a past presidents’ photo shoot with a “minder” yesterday and was warmly greeted by Stynes.
The mining magnate, who in August struck a $135 million deal to supply Queensland phosphate to India’s largest fertiliser company, will be a regular at the club’s match-day President’s Club functions.
“If I’m invited, I will come,” Gutnick said.
Asked if he was a chance to contribute financially again, Gutnick said: “It’s possible . . . it’s possible.”
Gutnick was somewhat reluctant to be involved yesterday, but was present because of Stynes’ influence.
Asked if he had no hesitation agreeing to the photo, Gutnick replied: “I wouldn’t say I had no hesitation . . . but I’m here.”
Gutnick said Stynes’ invitation had been enough to get him over the line.
“I don’t want to talk negatively about anyone else, but he’s just a great guy,” Gutnick said.
“He’s got a very good heart.
“This is the first time I’ve appeared at a Melbourne event for eight years.”
Gutnick said the club had a “lot of work to do”.
“I don’t think it’s going to happen overnight,” Gutnick said. “Jimmy is the right guy for the job.”
Gutnick has remained a member, but not gone to games.
“I’ve been following it on TV, newspapers . . . the Herald Sun,” Gutnick said.
Melbourne last week announced Hankook Tyre as a major co-sponsor in a deal believed to be worth close to $700,000 a season.
But the Demons are yet to announce a secondary co-sponsor and continue to face an uphill financial battle.
The Demons have been treading carefully and are yet to ask Gutnick to contribute, but the fact he is back is being seen as a massive positive for the club.
Stynes, after driving the Demons’ Debt Demolition campaign, has recently made a point of urging all former presidents to put their differences aside.
Other past presidents on hand yesterday were Stuart Spencer and Wayne Reid.
It is understood Gutnick phoned Stynes, offering his support, soon after he took control of the club last year.
I am glad he is doing so much charity with my money (at least 100k lost in great central, astro,quantum, kersey etc) and one million plus$ of my family and friends.
Its a big zchus for us for all of this money that evaporated from his stocks.
Wow, Chabad of Frankston – now thats golus…
I heard the Bondars are going – anyone know if that is true??
I think Levi is fantastic, so if it is true, I wish him and his family the best of luck.
At least someone’s got abisl seichel. I agree with #19.
I hope Yossl will get his $ back, then many shluchim will benefit!!!!!
I agree with # 19…..
even though I may be a bored soul myself 🙂
there are a lot of bored souls commenting on this story.
Yossel can manage his affairs fine without your advise. I am sure he will match his donations to Demons with his support to Chabad in Melbourne. He just opened Chabad of Carnegie and the rumours are he is now opening Chabad of South Yarra and Chabad of Frankston. Kol Hakovod.
Yes, you are right, R’Gutnick does volunteer and give of his time and money to such worthy causes…but sorry mate – seem to have missed your reasoning as to why it is your business to know what is going on with him?
Are you his mother?
If you are that bored – buy a TV
R’ Gutnick can do as he pleases without the worlds consent – rein in your jealousy and just worry about your own actions!
when he was presdient last time he made a really big kidush hashem when he refused to go on shabbos. he even challenged reporters to follow him on shabbos to see if he watches it (ovcourse he idnt and his team lost)
anyways this is a great thing and will be a big kidush hashem
you have no right to what is going on
East ST.Kilda
Lets look at the facts:
Yossel is the head of Chabad House Caulfield 770
Yossel is the head of the Smicha program
Yossel is considered a leader of Chabad in Melbourne
Yossel is the patron of Heichal Menachem, Collel Chabad and many other orgs
Yossel is the Rebbe’s shliach on Israel matters (or so he says)
So whatever Yossel does – has an influence on the Chabad community in Australia and in the world.
We have the right to know what is going on with a person who is representing us.
oh, how i miss Melbourne
can’t wait to go back for pesach
Is this worthy of COL news? Does it have anything to do with Chabad Hafotzeh, mivtzoyim? ( unless Gutnick will tell them of the shevah mitzvois bnei Noach)
I wish him all the best in his personal achievements, but being involved in a football club is hardly the type of news expected in a website like COL.
Doesn’t anyone realize , as in any buisness investment, success for the team means more profits for Gutnick. More profits for Gutnick means more tzedakah for mosdos haTorah . What’s so difficult to understand??!!
He should tell them that the best way to change the team’s mazel is to change that terrible name!
GO MELBOURNE DEMONS. The last time Gutnick was involved they reached the final. It’s time to reclaim the old glory.
This will be the gr8test Kiddush Hashem in Australia.
Joseph stay AWAY from JEALOUS people they definetlly don’t bring MAZAL
Melbourne
The football team used him for his money last time and then kicked him out. It looks like he is falling for the same trick again.
An interesting point is that, when he was president last time, he gained a lot of respect and created a kiddush Hashem. At the football club’s open days the line to get his autograph was as long as the line for the players. He was a very popular president among the membership of the club even if the others on the board didn’t like having a Jew in the boardroom.
I’m not saying that I support him but till you’ve lived in Australia for a while there’s no way you’ll understand.
Just because someone is wealthy doesn’t give you all the right to tell him how to spend his money!!
R’ Gutnick gives a lot of tzedakah and helps plenty of people and organisations.
If he wants to support a football team – then what is it your business???
What – are you going to start dictating what he wears and if he is allowed nush during the week too??
Grow up and get a life….
Nehenu mesudosoi shel Achashvairush.
What is a Yid doing at Goishe get togethers. Gedola tzedakah shemekareves es Hageulah – to a baseball team !!?? ( I thought to a Yeshivah, Mikvah or poor person??
I dont know about your first question but when they write Melbourne here they are not talking about the city they are talking about the plight of the team the melbourne demons.
can i b explained why somebody’s involvement with sports (tarbus youvon) is of interest to chasidishe yiden
1. The club is in dire need to $ and he seems willing to pour it in
2. Ever since he got involved in sports he became a celebrity businessman – good for fame, not necessarily for business (i.e. Donald Trump)
Excuse my ignorance, but, can someone explain to me why a yid would be interested in joining a goyish club? Is it for prestige? How can joining this club help Melbourne’s plight?