Lions in limbo with re-build put on hold
Coach Macaulay considers his future at club
A year is a long time in sport and nobody knows that better than Marshall Milton Keynes Lions coach Vince Macaulay.
Exactly 12 months ago Lions were riding high having won the British Basketball League Cup and preparing for a play-off final after ending the regular league season in a record high of fourth.
Last May also saw Macaulay named BBL coach of the year. But a year down the line and the Lions coach admits that it has been a difficult time for his club.
"I would say it is a relief to see the back of the season, and it's certainly been a disappointing one," he said.
"We didn't get the sort of reaction I was looking for and when you compare it to last season it wasn't nearly as enjoyable."
After guiding Lions to their first piece of silverware and a play-off final place, Macaulay considered stepping down as coach to concentrate on his off-court responsibilities as chief executive. And now he's left considering his future again.
"I'm going to have a meeting with my three senior players next week and that's likely to give me an idea as to what I'm likely to do," he said.
But Macaulay's decision on whether to stay on as coach or not won't be decided until the club's ongoing arena problems are resolved.
Hit by funding issues born out of the worldwide economic downturn, the Lions' proposed new home was originally set to be finished by the end of last year. And Macaulay says that it is his priority to secure the club's off-court future before he can think about playing matters.
"I'm concentrating on trying to make this club as successful as it can be and the only thing holding us back at the moment is the arena delay.
There are at least 12 weeks of work left to be done on it. And until I know when that work is going to start I can't really do a lot."
Defeat to Plymouth Raiders in their last game of the season meant Lions missed out on a play-off spot for the first time in three years.
And Macaulay is under no illusions as to where his side went wrong.
"Last year we were a team of experienced players and there may be a case for saying we've tried to change too quickly.
"But I've had meetings with all the players to discuss their futures and our search for new blood with take us worldwide."
The Lions chief insists he doesn't regret not stepping aside on a high after last year's most successful ever season.
"Whether remaining as the coach was a good idea or not is probably for others to decide. But last season was a tough act to follow."
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Weather for Milton Keynes
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
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Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
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