By Josh Massoud

1 March 2008 - The Daily Telegraph

BULLDOGS staff might have farewelled Belmore Oval yesterday, but powerful figures within the club remain hopeful of a return in 2010.

After playing and training at the iconic Sydney venue for the past 72 years, the Bulldogs closed their Belmore offices at midday. The club will re-open for business at Homebush Bay on Monday, with all operations having shifted west as part of a two-year deal with the Athletes Centre.

The agreement was reached by recently resigned CEO Malcolm Noad. Although certain to deliver more modern facilities, the move has not gone down well among traditional figures at the club, including some of the newly elected board members.

They hope a return might be on the cards - provided council does not demolish the site in the absence of a permanent tenant over the next 24 months. The State Government is also unlikely to contribute money for renovations, given the Bulldogs spent a $3 million grant on a new surface a decade ago. The sports minister at the time, now Premier Morris Iemma, was not happy about the way in which the money was spent.

The Saturday Daily Telegraph understands a swimming centre is one viable option for Canterbury Council.