The 2015/16 Esh Group Eagles Newcastle roster is beginning to have a familiar and experienced look about it as The Club announce their latest returnee with high rated British forward Andy Thomson returning to Tyneside for his second consecutive season and third in all.
The 6′ 10” Thomson averaged 12.8 pts and 7.1 rebounds a game in last season’s all-conquering squad which saw him make the bench for the All-British BBL Team of the Year. It also saw him take his personal haul to an astonishing 11 trophies in a row for the Manchester native who is very much at home in Newcastle.
Thomson won the last three major BBL trophies in 2010/11 with Mersey Tigers before his first season in Newcastle in 2011/12 ended with his contribution vital to The Eagles clean swoop that campaign.
Performances of that ilk earned him a good contract with Union La Rochelle in France’s NM1 Division where he played well for two seasons before returning for more glory with Newcastle last season.
Head Coach Fab Flournoy makes no secret of the fact that he likes to keep a settled side and build on success year-in, year-out and is happy to have Thomson back for another season.
“Thommo is a born winner as his results have proved and he was a vital piece of our roster last season and I fully expect him to pick up where he left off last season. The great thing about him is that he’s so comfortable within The Eagles Organisation on and off court and that’s a great attribute to have.”
“He gets what we’re all about, knows the part he’s asked to play in that system and does it very well. He’s definitely one of our glue guys and it’s great that we can seal his return to a place he loves to play for another season.”
Thomson who has just got married in the summer is equally delighted to be returning to Newcastle for another campaign.
“Newcastle just feels like home to me. It’s so comfortable and natural being around everyone at The Club and the fans are also fantastic and very good to me. They’ve also taken to my family as well and that helps make you feel good.”
“I’m liking what I’m seeing about our team for next season and with the continued support of Esh Group who are superb sponsors for The Club and who have been very good to me personally I can’t see any reason why we shouldn’t be challenging for honours again this season.”
The Eagles are certainly well in to their recruitment drive now and are delighted to have Thomson back in their ranks for another season further boosting their core of experience and returnees. More signings are expected to be announced in the next couple of weeks as The Club builds towards the 2015/16 campaign.
The club now look forward to pre-season and taking on some tough opposition in Eagles Euro Invitational from 7th to 9th September at Northumbria University Sport Central. The club welcome Antwerp Giants from Belgium, Sodertalje Kings from Sweden and BBL rivals Leeds Force to play in three days of games. Tickets are on sale at Eagles website www.newcastle-eagles.com or by calling Eagles office on 0191 245 3880.
