New leader at Panthers

Steve Wright, 29, who took over the job after his father, David, died in 2006, has worked at the club for more than 11 years.

He started as a casual barman and worked his way up to be his father’s deputy.

As well, he is a prominent sportsman and captained and coached Lavington Cricket Club until this year.

His resignation followed a two-day visit by a senior Panthers executive from Sydney, Danny Monk.

The group has appointed Luke Walker, of the Newcastle Panthers club, to be temporary general manager.

Lavington and Newcastle are two of 14 licensed clubs that are part of the Panthers Entertainment Group.

Lavington no longer has a board of directors and its advisory board chaired by Ken Hallows was not involved in the discussions that led to Mr Wright’s departure.

Mr Hallows said yesterday that the general manager’s decision to resign had been “pretty sudden’’ and a surprise.

“Steve has been a big part of the club for many years and will be missed,’’ he said.

“We wish him well.’’

Mr Wright was not taking calls yesterday.

Last year he oversaw an $800,000 revamp of the club funded by the Panthers Entertainment Group.

Club activities were transferred to the top floor, with a new members’ lounge, TAB, bar, a stage for entertainment and a seating area.

The main entrance was placed at the rear of the club.

Mr Wright said at the opening putting everything on the one level had been a dream of his father.

The opening was on what would have been David Wright’s 57th birthday, but there are still plans for a new club on the velodrome.

Panthers group chairman Barry Walsh said last year the upgraded club “will do the job for two or three years’’.

“After that we will be building a totally new club elsewhere on this property,” Mr Walsh said.

The Panthers’ other clubs are at Bathurst, Cardiff, Glenbrook, Cab-ramatta, Newcastle, North Richmond, Penrith, Port Macquarie, St John’s Park, Wallacia, and West Epping.