Worthing Thunder Basketball Club and the University of Chichester announce that Worthing Thunder Director of Coaching Gary Smith has agreed to return as Head Coach of the club.
Smith, who won two EBL Division 1 titles during his previous spell as coach as well as being a driving force in Thunder’s entry to the BBL in 2008-9, took over ahead of the BBL Championship match away to Guildford on Saturday 16 October.
It was originally anticipated that Gary would combine his role as Director of Coaching with that of Head Coach at the University of Chichester Thunder in EBL Division 4, as the club and University look to forge stronger links along the lines of a number of similar programmes in both the BBL and EBL. However, following the difficulties in appointing a US player-coach during the close-season (a process with which Smith was closely involved), the directors at Worthing Thunder decided to ask Gary if he would be prepared to take over the reins once more, which he agreed to do.
Worthing Thunder Chairman Frank Gainsbury said: “I am very grateful to Gary, and also Sid Fletcher at the University of Chichester, for their assistance in bringing this appointment to a conclusion. Whilst it was always the intention that Gary would play an active part within the BBL programme this year within his Director of Coaching remit, it was also felt beneficial to both parties that he coach the University EBL team.
“As it has transpired, Gary will be back as Head Coach with Worthing Thunder and will continue to be involved with University of Chichester with a view to developing and identifying potential talented players to provide them with the opportunity to play at the highest level in the sport. Gary’s appointment will be for both this season and the next campaign with a view to allowing him to develop and build some stability in the playing squad.”
Sid Fletcher, Sports Development Manager at the University of Chichester Students’ Union, said: “Obviously we are disappointed to lose a coach of Gary’s calibre at this stage of the season, but with Worthing in the situation they found themselves in, we were happy to support his appointment. We look at this as the first ‘promotion’ of many from this partnership as our links increase year on year.”
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