Eagles offer coach a Fab deal to stay

Jun 17 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

NEWCASTLE Eagles will offer treble-winning Fab Flournoy a two-year contract to ward off interest in their talismanic head coach from America.

Flournoy returns from the States today to begin planning for the Eagles’ defence of the BBL trophy, play-off and league titles – but the first priority will be to make a decision on his own future.

In common with most of the clubs in the BBL, the Eagles generally deal in one-year contracts but Eagles chief Paul Blake believes that Flournoy’s tremendous achievements deserve a longer commitment. And with the New Yorker set to turn 37 before the new season starts in September, it is likely to see him end his playing days in an Eagles vest. “We’re looking to offer a commitment to Fab as a way of repaying the commitment he has shown to us,” Blake said.

“It would be the first time we have had anyone on a two-year contract since TJ Walker about five years ago, and it would likely take Fab to the end of his playing career – although obviously that’s a decision that’s up to him.

“Fab’s been happy to work on a year-to-year basis but his success with us hasn’t gone unnoticed and we hear whispers that there is some interest in him in America – and that’s only going to grow if he goes on to enjoy more success with us. Fab has helped to transform the franchise and this would be just formalising something that we probably should have formalised a while ago.” Although Flournoy himself has been content to work on a year-by-year basis since moving to the North East in 2001, Blake feels that a longer deal is a way of showing the American how important he is to the club. He has built on the strong foundations laid by Tony Garbelotto and his work last year in moulding the Eagles’ new-look roster into the best team in the division impressed many observers – including recruiters Stateside.

Blake feels the key to Flournoy’s success has been his strong work ethic, which usually rubs off on his players.

“With Fab, we usually have to remind him to go to sleep or to have some sort of a break from work because he works extremely hard,” he said.

“It’s never a case with Fab of telling him or asking him to do something – it’s usually us telling him he needs a rest. And I think maybe we have taken that for granted a little bit. So this is a way of showing him that his hard work is appreciated. I’m sure Fab will be starting to think about things other than playing over the next couple of years. This deal will take him to 2012 if he signs it, and then I’m sure we’d want him to be at the Arena just as a coach after that.

“At the moment he wants to keep playing and I’m sure he’ll continue to have a big impact with us next year.”

The Eagles hope to make some progress on finalising their squad for next season this week. Contact has already been made with Trey Moore and Reggie Jackson, and talks will begin with other players over the coming days.

The Eagles are also looking to strengthen their youth section by offering trials to Great Britain under-20 internationals Ryan Martin and Leigh Greenan, as well as former Worthing Thunder guard Ian Berry.

Meanwhile, the Eagles have also begun arranging their pre-season fixture list. They will play ‘Team USA’ – a touring side of college players – on September 14.