Krumesh Patel named GB Senior Women’s Head Coach after resignations

Krumesh Patel has been appointed as the new GB Senior Women’s Head Coach following the surprise resignations of Stella Kaltsidou and General Manager Jacob Lloyd, who stepped away from their roles citing unsustainable working conditions following the BBF’s liquidation at the end of 2025.

In a joint statement released on social media, Kaltsidou and Lloyd announced their immediate departure, stating that “the conditions required to build a competitive and sustainable national team are no longer in place” and that they did not feel they could “continue in good faith.”

The pair, who took up their positions in August and September 2025 respectively, cited “constantly shifting and uncertain environment” and concerns over “current operational and communication structures” as key factors in their decision to leave.

Operational concerns highlighted

In their departure statement, Kaltsidou and Lloyd expressed frustration with the constraints surrounding their work, particularly regarding the upcoming March qualification window and uncertainty about the programme’s future direction.

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“Given the constraints surrounding the March window, the current operational and communication structures, and the uncertainty regarding the programme beyond this period, we do not feel we can continue in good faith,” they wrote.

The statement continued: “This decision reflects our professional judgement that, at this time, we are unable to operate in a manner aligned with our values or with what we believe the players deserve. At the core of all our work is a people-first approach, and without sufficient clarity around both the immediate commitments and the longer-term direction of the programme, we feel those relationships would be placed in a difficult position.”

Patel steps up

Patel’s appointment provides continuity for the GB programme as they prepare for crucial EuroBasket 2027 qualification fixtures. The experienced coach brings a wealth of domestic and international experience, having most recently served as head coach of Manchester Basketball’s women’s team in the SLBW.

His international coaching credentials include working with GB youth teams, and he has been involved in the GB 3×3 programme. Patel’s appointment comes at a critical time as GB prepare for their qualification campaign, with the team needing stability in leadership.

The coaching change highlights ongoing challenges within the GB Basketball structure, with Kaltsidou and Lloyd’s departure statement suggesting systemic issues that extend beyond individual personnel changes.

“The national team belongs to its players. We wish them every success and hope that the programme is given the support and direction it deserves going forward,” the departing duo concluded in their statement.

Patel will now face the immediate challenge of preparing the team for their EuroBasket qualification campaign while working to address the structural concerns that led to his predecessors’ departure.