BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Breaking: Former RFL director Sandy Lindsay denies she was forced to resign from the governing body, but has admitted she is “sad” about what is happening in rugby league.
Lindsay quit from the RFL board on Friday. The group of clubs looking to force change from the RFL wanted her and chairman Simon Johnson out, and both have quit in the space of just five days.
Lindsay, the chair of communications agency Tangerine, posted this morning on LinkedIn: “Folks – I’m fine! Honestly! But thanks for caring!
“Since my post last week about my resignation from the RFL I’ve had SO many lovely messages on all platforms, asking me if I’m ok! Some of you have even read the background to what’s occurring (sorry, slipping into Gavin & Stacy mode there!) and are concerned that I’ve been bullied or treated badly in some way – let me reassure you this is far from the truth!
“The vast majority of the people in rugby league are the literal embodiment of ‘salt of the earth’ – the work done in some of the UK’s most vulnerable communities is what attracted me to the sport in the first place.
“But, as often seems to be the case right now in the world, a small number of individuals are calling for risky and, in my opinion, unnecessary, change and it’s not something I wanted to be part of.
“I AM sad about what’s happening in a sport that I love, and frustrated that the plans we had were beginning to see real change, on and off the field, but might now never be.
“However, personally, this is a decision I made and I was not forced to do anything. But, again, thank you for caring!”
Yesterday Lindsay posted a message in support of Johnson, who resigned from the RFL on Tuesday.
“Having worked with Simon for more than five years, the last three as his Senior NED, I can honestly say I’ve never worked with a better Chair!” she wrote.
“Calm, inclusive, considered, kind and very smart, Simon is one of the most professional, dedicated and hard-working people I’ve ever known. If anyone is looking for a Chair for their organisation, grab him quick as he won’t have spare capacity for long I’m sure!”
Lindsay has not responded to requests for comment.
