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Thunder to grab place in top flight
Worthing Thunder will accept an offer to play top flight basketball next season.
As revealed at theargus.co.uk yesterday, the outgoing England Basketball League champions have been invited to join the British Basketball League.
Although they have yet to sign a franchise agreement, it is inconceivable they will now turn the BBL down.
That means fans can look forward to seeing top-division basketball at Worthing Leisure Centre again, nine years after Worthing Bears left town to play in Brighton.
The new board of directors, who will take over the club at the end of the season, met last night to discuss their next step.
Frank Gainsbury, a senior member of the new board, said: "The deal needs to be concluded and there are one or two details to sort out before we sign.
"We are encouraged by the franchise agreement. There is nothing there that will stop us."
Thunder have won the second tier EBL for the last two seasons and were play-off champions last year.
They have yet to pick up any silverware in the current campaign, having lost two finals, but have seen crowds increase in recent weeks.
They would not be expected to initially be among the frontrunners for BBL silverware but could aim for mid-table and a play-off spot.
Meanwhile Brighton Cougars say their dream to play in the BBL might not be over.
Cougars were aiming to add a top-flight professional team to their network of community-based and junior teams but have not been offered a place in the league next season.
Anne Baverstock, the club's administrative director, said: "We are disappointed but will look closely at our future plans regarding the BBL."
Gainsbury admitted he would have loved to have seen both Sussex clubs go into the league.
He said: "It's a great shame. It would have been very good for Sussex to have two teams competing alongside each other."
10:00pm Thursday 27th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Frank Graham, Hove on 10:47pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Congratulations to the Thunder. If they market the game sensibly to fans they should see good support.
Congratulations to the Thunder. If they market the game sensibly to fans they should see good support.
Posted by: DJ, WORTHING on 3:21pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Great News for Thunder & The County. Top league basketball is just what we need.
Great News for Thunder & The County. Top league basketball is just what we need.
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