ILLAWARRA Hawks owner Simon Stratford says he will remain at the helm of the club amid further speculation over its future direction.
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In a rare address to the club's fans via email on Monday night, Stratford said he and wife Wendy will stay on with the club but remain open to approaches from other commercial partners.
"Please be assured that despite what you may have read or heard, we are committed to the club and have the full support of the NBL as we start the next decade of the Illawarra Hawks," the email read.
"Although it was a tough season on the court, we have made huge strides building the club and the Illawarra Hawks brand, to be a strong force in the NBL.
"We have also had substantial growth in membership and corporate support over the past two years. The club is in a strong position financially.
"We have made inroads into our culture and identity as a club and, as owners, we are passionate about continuing to build this back up. But we can't do this alone.
"We need the support of more members, more corporate partners and more attendees to help with the continual growth of the club. We are always looking for committed investors as we look to win our second (of many) championships."
It follows months of speculation since Stratford was hit with an ultimatum from league over a debt owed to the NBL. The league has remained tight-lipped on the matter but Stratford's continued tenure will only come with its blessing.
The Mercury understands there are other parties interested in taking ownership of the club - parties also known to the the NBL - but not while Stratford remains at the helm.
It follows a tough season on the floor for the Hawks, with rookie coach Matt Flinn dealt a tough draw and horror injury toll that saw the club sink to a franchise-low 5-23 win-loss ledger.
Stratford's ownership has been on shaky ground since the end of last season when it emerged players and staff had not been paid their full entitlements - chiefly superannuation.
It attracted the attention of the NBL, ATO and the Players Association before eventually being resolved but it was one of a number of issues that saw former coach Rob Beveridge depart the club.
Stratford formerly held a minority share of the club but took full ownership in February 2018 after telecommunications entrepreneur James Spencely sold his 51 per cent stake.
Spencely purchased his majority stake in July 2014 after five years operating under a members ownership structure.
The club was placed into voluntary administration at the end of the 2014-15 season, but returned the finals next campaign in Beveridge's first at the helm.