Marc Steutel is ‘overjoyed’ to take on one of the biggest jobs in British basketball after landing a dream return to Newcastle Eagles.
And the ambitious playcaller has pledged to deliver a team that the club’s fans can be proud of as he bids to put the men in black back where they belong.
Steutel is convinced Newcastle is the ‘right club at the right time’ after returning to the organisation that launched his coaching career.
And Great Britain’s acting head coach has reassured Eagles fans that he can comfortably combine his national team commitments with restoring the Tynesiders’ reputation as the top flight’s team to beat.
“Every step of my coaching journey has involved significant touch points with Newcastle Eagles,” explained Steutel.
“That’s why I’m overjoyed to be the new head coach.
“Timing is everything and it really does feel like the right moment for me to be making this move.
“I’m 37, a British coach and really proud of what I’ve achieved so far. But this feels like the first step on the next stage of my coaching journey.
“Everything that I am as a person and as a coach has led me to this point and I can promise the Newcastle fans that nobody will outwork me.
“I will do everything in my power to give the city, the club and its supporters a basketball team that they can be proud of.”
Steutel returns to Newcastle after initially impressing as a junior coach within the Eagles Community Foundation.
And he steps up to the head coach’s position after spending a year shadowing former playcaller Fabulous Flournoy in the assistant’s role during the 2009-10 season.
Steutel, of course, has enjoyed two winning returns to the Vertu Motors Arena since 2020 after helming Great Britain’s historic wins against Germany and Greece on Tyneside.
But one of the most familiar faces on the region’s basketball scene can’t wait to get to work rebuilding the reputation of the UK’s most successful top-flight franchise.
“My role with Great Britain is something that Paul Blake and I have discussed at length,” added adopted Geordie Steutel.
“And for as long as I have the opportunity to be a part of the national team set-up we both feel it’s a situation that can be mutually beneficial.
“Of course, my primary focus will be on the Eagles this summer and I can’t wait to get my feet under the table and start recruiting a team that Newcastle fans can really get behind.
“I’ve always been a fan of this club and, like every other supporter, I don’t like seeing them out of the playoffs.
“My job is to deliver the right approach and the right vision and to ensure that we’re not in the same position again.
“We will compete in the way a club like Newcastle should compete and I’m confident in saying that.
“I’m fully aware of the heritage of this club, the stature of the players that have pulled on an Eagles vest in the past and the legacy that they’ve created.
“It’s something I respect and something I hope to build on.”
The popular Scouser was named NBL Coach Of The Year two years on the bounce in 2012 and 2013 as he transformed Team Northumbria into Division One title contenders.
And after gaining his FIBA coaching certificate in 2015, one of the UK’s fastest-rising playcallers was appointed head coach of the GB Under 20 squad in 2018.
“We’re excited to have Marc join the Eagles and to see what he can achieve at BBL level after consistent success both internationally and domestically,” said Newcastle’s Managing Director, Paul Blake.
“Marc started his coaching career with the club so we’ve known each other for many years and it’s great to see him return.
“We’re already looking forward to the new season with a new-look Eagles team on and off the court.”
Season tickets to see all the 2022-23 BBL action at the Vertu Motors Arena are available now with huge savings versus single game tickets – find out more at the box office.
