Chester Businessman Haydn Cook Takes Over Cheshire Jets
The announcement today that Cheshire Jets had found a new owner has brought to an end the uncertainty of many fans in the Chester and Cheshire area.
Pete Hawkins has handed over the franchise to local Chester businessman, Haydn Cook.
Mr Cook’s background stems in property but through his family has been a supporter of the Jets for some time.
With little more than two weeks left to prepare for the upcoming season, there is still a huge task ahead but Haydn Cook in a statement today said: “I am honoured to be entrusted with leading the Cheshire Jets. I took my, now grown up, children to games at Northgate many years ago and am a long term supporter.
“When I saw the Chronicle campaign and realised Peter was stepping down after five years I felt it was important for the region that the Jets continued in the BBL and felt that I had skills and experiences which could take the team forward. I don’t underestimate the challenges ahead, both in the short term in preparation for our first game and for the long term, but I know with the continued support of the best volunteers and fans in the league we can make it a success.
“Now the real work begins, I have been overwhelmed by the offers of support from the local community. In answer to everyone’s question what can I do to help there are two things, firstly if you run or know of a local business who would like to be with us at the start of this journey then we would love to hear from you, email me at haydn.cook@jetsbasketball.org.uk.
“Secondly, season tickets are now on sale, our first game is just over two weeks away against Manchester Giants; let’s see if we can fill Northgate and make it a very special night in Jets history.”
Hawkins feels that he has placed the team into the safest hands he could find and said: “I am delighted that Haydn has come forward, we have been in intense discussions with a number of people and Haydn was, in my view, the best person to take over. The Jets are a huge asset in the region and I am confident Haydn can take the BBL team onto the next level. ”
He went on to finish by saying: “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved with The Jets over the last 5 years of my tenure, in particular to the huge band of volunteers without whom there would have been no club. Any organisation needs someone to be accountable for leading it, in the case of The Jets, Haydn has my utmost respect in being willing to do that and I know everyone will get behind him to ensure it is a success.”
Announcements regarding the finer details of preparations are expected to be revealed in due course, however the rallying call for Jets supporters right now is to help in any way they can before September 23rd.
