The Cheshire Phoenix have announced the return of one of the greatest Head Coaches in BBL history – Robbie Peers – to form a dream team with Head Coach John Lavery and Assistant, Mike Burton.
Peers, himself assisted by Burton, led Cheshire’s professional BBL franchise to the “Jetwash” clean sweep of titles 11 years ago. He returns to the club as Technical Director of Basketball.
He will support John Lavery as he bids to bring the glory days back as Head Coach of Cheshire Phoenix. Peers’ role will include providing scouting and recruitment support and lending his experience to Lavery when called upon.
“It is great to be back,” said Peers. “The club is in my blood. I have remained a fan since I left, attending games when I could.
“But to be able to return and help this great club and these great fans rebuild and make Cheshire a stronghold for basketball once more is very exciting.
“John is a great coach but you cannot run a club on your own. You need people around you that can be called upon when needed. I had Mike Burton and now John has Mike and me.”
Peers saw the franchise, under a different name, being crowned BBL Champions as well as leading them to the BBL Championship Playoff title, BBL Cup and BBL Trophy in 2002.
Head coach Lavery welcomed the appointment.
“Having coached this franchise before, I know that there are plenty of difficulties and challenges throughout the season,” he said.
“It is vital to have people you can bounce ideas off and whose experience you can draw on. I don’t think there are many coaches who can draw on the knowledge I have around me now with Robbie and Mike.”