England Basketball are having to revise their League plans for the coming season, as they search for three teams to move up from EBL2 to EBL1, following the departure of three teams from that competition! The first to go were Kingston Wildcats, who had had problems with their venue last season, which prevented them from taking part in the early-season games in the National Trophy. The Wildcats appear to have become victims of the desire of some teams (who have managed to maximise their earning potential from home games) to have more games during the season, and it seems that another season with a 14-team league provided insurmountable venue and finance problems for the Wildcats, and they announced their withdrawal from all competitions. While this news was still sinking in, the 14-team league suddenly found itself reduced to 12, with the shock announcement that Worcester Wolves, after just six seasons in the National League, were to join the BBL. The BBL announced the news, on 29th June, thus:
Whether EB were considering going with the reduced number I'm not sure, but it appears that yet another team has chosen to defect. There has been no official confirmation that London United have also moved into the BBL (and their website, which has not been updated since the end of the season, is also silent on the matter), but the rumours that they have done so are too strong to ignore. What gives extra weight to those rumours is that the Association have (I believe) now asked for three clubs to "volunteer" to step up from Division 2, to fill the vacancies. Northampton Neptunes (who had applied for Division 1, and been turned down) are one probable candidate, with WNC Mansfield Express (who declined promotion after winning the Championship) also a clear contender. Both, however, might struggle, even in a weakened Division 1, and it is always difficult for a club to change their focus (especially in recruiting players) so late in the close season. Mansfield's case is even more complicated, as they have now lost the use of the excellent Mansfield Leisure Centre (bulldozed in the name of "progress"), and will play in three different venues (none of which are in Mansfield!) next season. Who else might be in the frame? Nottingham, who were relegated after a disastrous season and dreadful crowds? Liverpool, who won the Patron's Cup, but finished with an even, 11&11 record? Derby, who also had an 11&11 record, and have only been in Division 2 for one Season? Then there's the knock-on effect on Division 3 (and 4?). Which teams would step up to restore EBL2 to twelve teams? The most likely (I suspect) would be Colchester and Bath (both being offered a reprieve from relegation), with maybe one of the unsuccessful promotion candidates, such as Loughborough. The same problem of changing focus so late apples to them, too, though - and then there's the question of whether any of the Division 4 teams would want to take on the extra travel involved in restoring Division 3 to two 12-team regions. There are obviously some contentious issues to be resolved ... and they need to be sorted out soon. The BBL, on the other hand, appear to be in a very healthy position, with an apparent increase to 13 teams, but even their membership may not be as firm as it appears, as there are rumours (aren't there always?) surrounding several of their members. Birmingham appear to be having problems with their most recent venue, and could be struggling for somewhere to play. London Towers also have venue problems, and there are rumours that they may ask to take a "sabbatical" (and we all know how temporary they are!). Brighton's coach, Nick Nurse, is understood to have returned to the States ... which could be a problem, since he also owns the club! And that's just the ones I've heard whispers about. The close-season is beginning to get interesting! |
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