By Terry Liberopoulos

February 2008 - Rugby League Review

A change of guard at the Bulldogs club is just what the 'Back to Belmore' group are hoping for after the elections.

The organisation has pinpointed seven candidates that will look at the option of a return to Belmore Sports Ground. "We have been told by all the candidates that they wil give our group a fair hearing," said Brailey.

The Back to Belmore group have made it no secret that they will be voting for Ray Dib (current board member), Graeme Hughes, Barry Ward, Robert Picone, Phil Charlton, Paul Dunn and Andrew Farrar.

"We also have plenty of respect for (Bulldogs Chairman) George Peponis. He has done a great job for the club and I am sure that he will continue doing what is best for the club," said Brailey, a banking consultant who lives next door to Belmore Sports Ground.

While bringing the Bulldogs back to Belmore is the number one priority, the Back to Belmore group would also like to see the club revert back to the Canterbury name.

"Everybody associates the Bulldogs with Belmore and we don't want to lose that history but they are going to be nowhere near the area," said Brailey.

"The economic implications that have occurred in Belmore is a tragedy. I see so many businesses open up in the area and then close down. A return to Belmore would also bring an economic boost to the area."

The Back to Belmore group are also in touch with the Return to Kogarah (R2K) faction that played an important role in getting the Dragons back to Oki Jubilee Oval.

"St. George Illawarra, Manly and Cronulla have asked for government assistance to fix their grounds and they have been successful. What is stopping the Bulldogs from asking?" said Brailey.

While the Back to Belmore group have been looked at as outcasts, the support they have received from supporters has been overwhelming.

"We have received so many emails and letters from Bulldogs supporters supporting us. If we didn't have so much support, we wouldn't be doing this," said Brailey.