MACLEOD, NEWBY RETAINED
Newcastle Eagles have removed the interim tag from Ian Macleod’s job description.
Having led the club to the BBL Trophy in what turned out to be the final game of the season, the Tyneside native has officially been named as head coach for next season.
It was a transitional year for the Eagles following the abrupt departure of Fab Flournoy eleven months go upon his appointment to the coaching staff of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors.
But after stepping up on the eve of the season, Macleod’s ability to maintain the Eagles’ embrace of silverware earned him the right to a permanent appointment.
“I’m pleased to announce that Ian will now come into the full-time role for the coming season and am excited with the team that is coming together,â€, Eagles owner Paul Blake confirmed.
Macleod will now step up recruiting his roster for the 2020-21 campaign whose start date has not yet been confirmed.
“It is truly an honour to have the position confirmed,” he told the club’s website. “It has been a whirlwind ride so far and I am looking forward to help shape the club as we move forward, particularly in these difficult times.
“This is a big club but we can go further and higher, I hope to be able to do the role justice and give the city and fans the dedication the role deserves.”
Long-time assistant and recruiting guru Dave Forrester will remain “involved in some capacity” despite pledging to step away from a bench role at the end of the campaign.
Worcester Wolves have confirmed that Matt Newby, who helped them lift the BBL Cup, will remain as head coach next season.
“The fact that from a league wide perspective pre COVID 19 everything was set up for an exciting conclusion to the championship and the varying sub plots that were playing out in terms of the playoff race ensured that league wide fans were absolutely engaged,” he said.
“Coupled with the fact that as a club we had begun to re-establish ourselves running in third place and having taken the BBL Cup in Birmingham in front of 9200 fans many of whom were carrying the Wolves insignia before the pandemic.”I genuinely feel the league is on an upward trajectory and we have the opportunity to go with it.”
While London Lions have landed former GB Under 20 centre Kingsley Okoroh who had a brief spell at Spanish LEB side La Roda last season.
Photo: Ahmedphotos
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