Stynes relinquishes the Melbourne presidency

Jim Stynes has officially stepped down as Melbourne President in order to devote more energy to his family and his health.

As was reported throughout the day the former Brownlow Medallist with the Demons, Stynes decided to relinquish the club presidency he has had since 2008.

Vice-President Don McLardy made the announcement at the club’s annual AGM on Wednesday night and despite Stynes not being there in person he still received a lengthy standing ovation from the Melbourne members at the meeting.

McLardy will officially take over from Stynes and become the new Melbourne President later on Wednesday evening after his nomination is unanimously accepted by the board.

Peter Spargo will take McLardy’s position and join Guy Jalland as the Demons vice-president with former club captain Greg Healy joining the club’s board on a casual basis and will be a football director with his role to oversee the football department.

On announcing the decision McLardy read out a statement from Stynes who wasn’t able to make it to the AGM due to undergoing another operation on Wednesday as he battles cancer.

“As Melbourne enters what promises to be an exciting new season and an exciting new era I see this as an opportune time to step down as Melbourne president,” read the statement.

“It will give the football club the best chance to be 100 per cent prepared for round one and it will give me the time to fully focus on my health and my family.”

“I am very proud of what the board has been able to achieve since I took on the presidency in June 2008, particularly bringing a greater sense of unity and purpose to our football club.”

“I have full confidence that Don McLardy and the board will continue that work. Don has my full support to lead the club and the Demons can rely on me to help out in an advisory capacity at any time.”

McLardy then commented that the 45-year-old Stynes would remain at the club on an advisory capacity and paid tribute to the Irishman who played 264 games for the Demons after being recruited from his native Ireland back in the mid 1980’s.

“His playing record speaks for itself, where he stood up for our club 264 times and on the way won a Brownlow Medal and four best and fairests,” McLardy exclaimed.

“Three and a half years ago when our club was at its lowest ebb he stood up again.”

“He has been an inspiration to the whole club. On so many occasions in the past year he has led by example and he has got up and fought when it seemed impossible.”