Goulburn Dirty Reds rugby union club president, Matt Klem informed the the club of his intention to step down from the position he has capably held for 12 years.
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His decision to do so, like the way he has guided the club during his time in the top job has been well considered and he has he has implemented a succession plan.
Her hands over the presidency to Peter Greaves, but will be in the wings as as a vice president to help and advise the new president.
“It’s time to hand over the reins and spend some more time with my family,” Matt said. “It has been a full on job involving much more than many people would realise, looking after four divisions with the juniors and the girls.
“There is a lot more than organising things on Saturdays. but Saturdays I would leave home early in the morning and sometimes not get back home till after midnight.
“It is all the meetings and phone calls that take me away from my family, but it has been rewarding in in its own way. My passion has been working with the juniors.”
Club historian and statistician Chris Gordon who was honoured with life membership of the Dirty Reds commented on Matt Klem’s achievements as the longest serving president in the Dirty Reds 145 year history.
“Matt is the longest serving president of the club, starting in early in 2006 and seeing through this year. that's 12 seasons, beating out the records of other club legends Doc McCulloch and John Osmond.” Chris Gordon said. “ Klemmy also presided over a period in which we developed Rugby Park and the clubhouse to it's current level, and developed such strong relationships across ACT and NSW country that we continue to attract unprecedented opportunities and matches.
“I believe that without Klemmy in the job, with his drive and focus, we probably wouldn't have had the financial and on field success that we've had. I also believe his efforts across many aspects of the committee are at least as great or better than the presidents that preceded him.”
Chris Gordon admitted that he was surprised, “massively proud and choked up to have been made a Life Member of the Goulburn Rugby Club. I've gained a lot more than I've given. It's a great club.”