BBL slammed for overlooking Fab's achievements

Apr 30 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Eagles managing director Blake finds it strange that while Sport Newcastle recognised Flournoy as the Sports Personality of the Year, the BBL were not so quick to dole out honours.

“It is very strange that he hasn’t got the proper recognition,” Blake said.

“With the Sports Personality award, we were very lucky to get a seat at the venue six years ago – let alone an award. So it is frustrating that other people are recognising our progress but the BBL is not.”

Blake, who will begin talks with the players this week to try and keep the roster together for a crack at a clean sweep next season, is now looking forward to putting right one of the few disappointments of recent seasons – last year’s play-off campaign.

Newcastle went out to MK Lions in the semi-finals and the team became embroiled in a slanging match in the dressing room afterwards. It was an inglorious end to a decent season but Blake sees no prospect of a repeat performance at the National Indoor Arena this weekend.

The Eagles start their play-off tilt with a match against Plymouth Raiders, who shocked Guildford Heat to make the final four.

“We’re going down with a different frame of mind – we haven’t played brilliantly in the last couple of games but we’ve won. So I’m hopeful.”