Newcastle Eagles WBBL have parted company with head coach Chris Bunten following last weekend’s WBBL Trophy defeat to Durham Palatinates.

The move follows the departures of a number of senior players earlier this month and recognises the need for a new direction during the second half of the season.

Bunten has anchored Tyneside’s only top-flight basketball team for the last eight years as head coach of Team Northumbria and Newcastle Eagles WBBL.

He said: “I will always hold the club close to my heart and wish both the BBL and WBBL teams the very best for the future.”

Paul Blake, Managing Director, Newcastle Eagles, added: “The club would like to thank Chris for his years of service and wish him all the best in the future.”