Matt Gidley steps down as Newcastle Knights chief executive

The 40-year-old retired from playing in 2010 and became the club’s business development manager the same year, rising to the top job in 2011 as former owner Nathan Tinkler took over.

He retained the post through Tinkler’s tumultuous reign then while the club was owned by the NRL.

The league is due to complete its handover of the Knights to new owners the Wests Group on November 1.

“There is no doubt the club has faced significant challenges in the last decade and we have navigated our way through this period, which has required enormous change to be implemented across the organisation,” Gidley said in a club statement.

“The vast majority of this change is now complete and it is an appropriate time for me to take a break.

“I would like to thank the board of directors, staff, players, partners, members and supporters for your patience and loyalty while we undertook the arduous task of rebuilding the club.

“I am very confident the foundations have now been established to deliver the club and the team you all fully deserve.”

Gidley will continue to help in the club’s transition to Wests.

“The scale of the challenges that Matt and his team have overcome cannot be understated,” NRL chief financial officer and head of club and state services Tony Crawford said.

“Matt has made a wonderful contribution to the club and community and needs to be commended for his tenure at the Newcastle Knights.

“There is no doubt Matt leaves the club in a significantly stronger position to deliver long-term success, both on and off the field.”