AN impassioned speech by Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett was enough to calm the nerves of Knights members last night and ensure that embattled owner Nathan Tinkler would survive the latest threat to his crumbling empire.
On the same day the auditor came forward to say he could not complete his examination of the Knights books until the end of the year, Bennett, chief executive Matt Gidley and Hunter Sports Group's Troy Palmer fronted the members board last night to plead Tinkler's case.
Tinkler's fortunes are shrinking every day as creditors and the taxman close in. His commitment to the Knights is subsequently being investigated, with members having the right to buy the club back off him for one dollar if he fails to deliver on several fronts.
There was speculation last night that the ongoing negative publicity could prompt members to push for the sale as it would include a $20 million bank guarantee but it is believed this wasn't raised at the meeting.
"The meeting went smoothly and the calming influence of Wayne was important," Knights members board chairman Nicholas Dan said.
"He gave some of the history of teams he'd been associated with over the past 20 years and how they dealt with things."
Gidley spoke about the good frame of mind all the players were in for 2013.
"He (Gidley) wants to get back to the football side of things," Dan said.
"He said there had been some difficulties over the past two months but he wanted to get away from the off-field matters and straight on to the season ahead.
"Matt has spoken to Nathan during the last week and he's confident about where things are at.
"We all wanted to know that everything is properly capitalised and make sure everyone is paid on time. There was no wish by the members club to bring down a football team."
Earlier in the day, the club's auditor, Crosbie Warren Sinclair, issued a press release claiming it could not complete an audit by December 15 as set up by the previous management as the calendar year hadn't concluded by then.
The audit will be finalised on January 21.
Palmer said the auditor's statement should clear up any confusion regarding Tinkler's support for the club which he claimed had been clouded by the previous management.
"It is a sad situation when people just can't let go and continue to run with personal agendas, even when it is to the detriment of the club," Palmer said.
"I'm confident all the key milestones will be achieved in line with the club's audit. Hopefully, this is another step to ensure future stories are about our football team and not personal agendas played out in the media."
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