Illawarra Mercury Digital Edition - Wednesday, 11 Mar 2015 - Page 34

BASKETBALL: TIM BARROW and ROY WARD

WOLLONGONG Hawks general manager Kim Welch has revealed he sought advice from 2009 saviour Mat Campbell in developing a strategy to secure the NBL club’s future.

The Hawks will on Wednesday hold a creditors’ meeting in Wollongong to detail their financial plight to members.

Meantime, coach Gordie McLeod is working on plans for next season, even though he won’t be able to move on them until the Hawks fight their way out of administration.

Campbell, who now works for Wollongong Coal, the company that reduced its sponsorship commitment before the club was placed into administration, was the face of the Save the Hawks campaign less than six years ago.

An 11th-hour guarantee by then Gujarat NRE boss Arun Jagatramka opened the door for the Hawks to remain in the competition.

With less than a month to find at least $200,000 in sponsorship to save the club, Welch said Campbell provided valuable counsel.

‘‘ I’ve spoken to Mat, I think it was important to after his role in heading the Save the Hawks campaign,’’ Welch said.

‘‘ I’ve also discussed the situation with Perth officials from when they were going through a similar process a few years ago and it’s been great to have their opinions as we try to find a way forward.’’

‘‘ We’re certainly not just sitting back hoping we get that golden phone call, everyone is out there meeting businesses and on the phones trying to build support.’’

Adding to the NBL’s woes, Townsville Crocodiles also went into voluntary administration on Monday night.

The Crocs managed to save themselves at the end of last NBL season when their long-time owners handed back their licence as a group of local supporters sourced enough funding to last through this season under a communityrun model.

The NBL is, potentially, down to six teams for next season, raising concerns about whether it can sign a new television deal or field enough sides to play next season.

Despite making an agreement to return their home matches to Townsville Entertainment Centre next season and have the stadium renovated, a club statement said the NBL could not confirm how many teams would be in next season’s competition and that stopped the board being able to source a new owner or new investors.

The Crocs remain hopeful they can again be saved but with two clubs in administration and the status of the NBL’s new Brisbane franchise unknown, the NBL’s prospects of being able to sign a much needed television deal are uncertain.

Crocs chairman Darren Findlay said entering voluntary administration would allow the club to "rebuild " and still potentially play in the NBL.

"This is a devastating decision for the board to make," Findlay said on Tuesday night. "However it does not spell the end of the Crocodiles.’’