SACA chief executive resigns

The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) has formally accepted an offer of resignation from its chief executive, Mike Deare, after he detailed a planned $350 million upgrade of the Adelaide Oval in the Advertiser.

SACA president Ian McLachlan said Deare's comments made last month had affected the association's negotiations with the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) aimed at attracting Australian Football League (AFL) and FIFA World Cup fixtures to Adelaide.

"In his letter to me dated July 29, Michael Deare acknowledged that his recent interview with the Advertiser and I quote: 'has severely damaged SACA's relations in many areas, accordingly my resignation is offered'," McLachlan said.

"The board and I agree with him. The damage done by a number of Michael's comments has been serious and consequently, his resignation has been accepted and will take effect at the end of this month. We are extraordinarily disappointed with these indiscretions and do not sanction his comments.

"In fact, the opposite is true. After I made, what I thought were obvious remarks on ABC radio about SACA having to give up control of Adelaide Oval if the SANFL and the SACA became 50-50 partners, the SANFL's sensitivity was noted. Consequently, we at SACA agreed that no further comments would be made on the subject until talks with the SANFL and AFL were completed."

McLachlan said Deare had served as SACA's chief executive for the past 12 years and during his tenure he made a substantial contribution to the association and the Adelaide Oval itself.

"He has overseen significant capital investments in Adelaide Oval, including the Chappell Stands, the light towers, the refurbishment of the heritage scoreboard and the first ever resurfacing, drainage and irrigation of the playing field," McLachlan said. "During that time he has also guided the Association towards a protracted period of financial stability and profitability.

"I thank him for those results and acknowledge the contribution he has made towards the current western grandstand redevelopment." McLachlan said while the search for a new chief executive could take some months, Terry Davies, general manager commercial, would assume the role of acting chief executive.