The announcement that Mark Bird will is the new managing director of GBGB – has been met with an extremely positive response from all sides of the greyhound industry.
Sheffield GM and GBGB alternate director John Gilburn said: “I think Mark is a superb appointment. In the two years he has been in the industry he has been out and about, talking and learning and he has developed a considerable knowledge of how it operates. I think you will see massive changes in the industry going forward. It will take some time and some tough decisions will have to be taken, but Mark’s appointment is definitely a major step in the right direction.”
The trainers representative on GBGB Pete Harnden said: “I am acutely aware of the need we have to develop a vision and strategic plan for the future prosperity of the sport and In giving my vote to Mark I hope we enter a new era of progression, openness, transparency and accountability, which in my view, this sport seriously needs.
“I am aware that Mark has already had dealings with a large number of trainers and the overall impression is overwhelmingly positive. I wish him all the luck in the world. He has a mammoth task before him I will support him in this 100% in any way I can.”
The GBGB owners representative Paul Ephremsen said: “The appointment of Mark Bird to MD of the GBGB is potentially a pivotal moment for the board. I am very supportive of the appointment. I was part of the interview process last week and I I’m convinced Mark will embrace a new, more forward thinking approach to how the board operates and communicates and this can only be a good thing for the sport.”
Trainer John Mullins said: “I didn’t have a good relationship with Mark Bird’s predecessor (Director of Regulation) Declan Donnelly, but my wife and I both found Mark to be an entirely different proposition. He came here to see things from the grass roots level and seemed really interested in what was going on. I think he will be a good appointment in a tough job. You can guarantee some people will be ready to moan, but they’d find fault if you gave the job to Jesus Christ.”
