Worcester Wolves have announced the return of Head Coach, Matt Newby

Newby returns after a very successful stint with the Wolves last season, winning the BBL Cup final in a 67-59 victory over the Bristol Flyers

The team was soaring towards the BBL Playoffs until the league was cancelled due to COVID-19, finishing in third place only behind Glasgow Rocks and London Lions

Why is this great for Worcester?

Worcester fans were treated to an exceptional season, after the poor campaign that was the 18/19 season under former head coach Ty Shaw

The team they had were strong, but they finished joint last in the BBL table with the Surrey Scorchers. 

Matt Newby was appointed the Head Coach just over a year ago, and got to work right away, drafting a young core of players and focused on team play and morale. 

This lead to a phenomenal season, featuring amazing displays from Amir Williams, Kofi JosephsJordan Williams just to name a few.

Return of the young core?

Having the success the team has gathered in the past 12 months, it could be interesting to see who Worcester can retain from the 19/20 roster. 

"Interestingly, when I did the exit meetings, all of them (Worcester Wolves Players) said they would like to return," said Coach Newby. 

"But at the end of the day, if they have an opportunity to go on to bigger and better things, I think that is what we should be about as a programme". 

There is some bad news for Worcester Wolves fans though, as one member of last seasons squad, Julius Van Sauers, has agreed a deal to become a player in the Glasgow Rocks team for the upcoming season, meaning Coach Newby may have to look elsewhere. 

Recruiting for the new season

With the UK currently under lockdown restrictions, Newby was looking to be productive and start the active process of recruiting players early for the upcoming season. 

"Retention of a player is not an easy one when you are at the lower end of the market because ultimately if you are going to bring them back, price point changes and that effects your overall budget," said Newby.

"There are thousands of kids graduating from the US college system that will come in at a lower price point."

"It comes to a decision between building something over time, retaining players, fostering a culture and philosophy or alternatively going to the market each year and doing the best job you can within the 12 months you have". 

Predicting success for the Worcester Wolves may be hard currently as they have not announced any signings, only the future can tell what is in waiting for the Wolves. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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