Former Newcastle Knights CEO Steve Burraston believes the club should return to a community based ownership model after the tumultuous private ownership of Nathan Tinkler.

Quizzed by The Newcastle Herald on various ownership models, Burraston said only one ever worked for the Knights.

“I think they can all work,’’ he said.

“There is success in a heap of different models in sporting franchises around the world. But to have a private owner, it needs to be the right one.’’

Burraston also said that the $100million about to be injected into the clubs was perfect timing.

“The new funding will take away the variables and open up your options,’’ he said.

“But the most successful model for the Knights has always been community owned. That’s when we had the most buy-in and passion from the community.

“I can’t help thinking there has been a disconnect over the past few seasons.”