Gavin Love confirmed as new Plymouth Raiders head coach

Plymouth Raiders have appointed former club captain Gavin Love as their new head coach, despite interviewing several candidates in the USA lat month.

Love re-joined the Raiders half-way through last season as an assistant to Gary Stronach following a career as a player that spanned 13 years.

The Englishman has revealed he has already been in touch with several potential signings since he agreed to take the job, with two offers already made for next season.

"This is a great opportunity for me," said Love, "and I'm confident that I can put a team together that will excite the fans and give us a great chance to get the club back to where it deserves to be. I can't wait for the players to get here now and to start pre season training. The team I want in place will be dynamic, exciting and I want us to play a brand of basketball that fans will want to come and watch."

At the same time as announcing Love as Head Coach, the Raiders announced that former Raiders player Mark Cahill will be returning to the team as Strength & Conditioning Coach as part of a support team that also includes Andy Murphy - the team's new Sports Injury Consultant.

"We'll be training eight times a week," said Love. "That's made up with five on court sessions, and three strength and conditioning sessions. Mark is going to be very active with the team, devising individual workout programmes for every player.

“We want to be the team in the best shape in the BBL this year - it's a long season, and the guys have to be ready for it. Our pre-season is going to be really intense as well, with the Royal Navy playing a huge part in fitness and team bonding work. I really can't describe how excited I am to get started."

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