[29 SEP 10] CRUSADER NEWS

New era for Crusaders 

By Adam Manning

Coventry Crusaders Basketball Club have appointed Warwickshire Basketball hall of fame coach Roger Payne as their new head coach for the new 2010/2011 season.

The move comes as former coach Scott Neely decides to focus on his other role as the club’s community director, as the Crusader Foundation looks to build upon its growing success in primary schools.

Coventry kid Payne brings 31 years of basketball experience with him as he prepares to gear his side up for their 19^th season in EBL Division One, which sees Brixton Topcats and Durham Wildcats replace Sheffield Arrows and Tees Valley Mohawks to make up the 11 teams for 2010/2011.

Nicknamed ‘meat neck’ when former assistant coach at Division Two club Edmonton Storm, Payne has an illustrious basketball CV that includes nine local-league championships with Premier Warriors in the Warwickshire league. Last year he helped Watford-based Storm to a fourth-place finish in Division Two. Earlier this year he opted to retire from coaching the local leagues & enter their hall of fame in order to concentrate on the National League.

Crusaders Managing Director Robert ‘Dip’ Donaldson has also given Payne licence to attract new interest and investment to the club, appointing him as General Manager. Donaldson, who is in his 18^th year as owner of the Crusaders, said Payne’s enthusiasm has given him renewed confidence in bringing back the glory days to the ex-Division One champions.

“We plan to be highly successful” he said. “Payne’s passion and energy will definitely be a positive force and his strong leadership skills and charismatic personality will serve him well as he under-takes his new tasks.”

“I would like anyone who has ever come to a match, been a regular supporter or volunteered for the club, to endorse Payne as the new Head Coach and General Manager for the Crusaders and to give him your support.”

“With the support of local businesses and great supporters attending the games, the Crusaders can see crowds and enthusiasm like we did in the early years of the club. It will be a very exciting season for Coventry Crusaders.  I welcome Payne aboard as part of the Crusader family, and wish him and the team all the best.”

Keep checking www.crusaders.co.uk for all of the latest team news and match build-up as Coventry Crusaders tip-off the new season with a 2^nd round National Cup tie against Nottingham Hoods at the Coventry Sports Centre on Saturday 10^th October 4.00pm.

 

  Main Menu | News | New era for Crusaders  29 SEP 2010