Long-time Melbourne board member Michael Slepoy has been appointed chief executive of the Tigers NBL club, replacing the controversial Seamus McPeake.

The Irishman’s last course of action while CEO was to spray Melbourne players after a loss and sensationally sack star import Ayinde Ubaka without the knowledge of the coach or any of the staff on January 15.

Coach Trevor Gleeson was in a post-match press conference after yet another crushing loss in a tough season for the Tigers when McPeake gave Ubaka, who has since gone onto excel with new club Wollongong, his marching orders.

Slepoy is a director at telecommunications company Dodo and was keen to pay tribute to his predecessor.

“I know I speak on behalf of the entire club when I say I am very grateful to Mr McPeake for the enormous amount of hard work he has done as the CEO of the Melbourne Tigers. Within this club there is a great level of respect and admiration for his contribution over the past decade”, Slepoy said.

“I am excited to be able to contribute to and further the professional image of this great club. I want the club to be known as the most professional basketball organisation and continue the great Tigers legacy of family values and success. I am looking forward to working with our valued members and providing enhanced value to our corporate partners.”

In additional news, fellow Dodo director and Tigers board member, Larry Kestelman, has been endorsed to take on the role of chairman, with the change to be ratified at a scheduled board meeting early next week.