Local lad Aliu signs new deal

Liverpool lad David Aliu has committed his future to his hometown club, signing a new two-year deal with the Mersey Tigers.

Aliu, 30, played an important role in helping the Tigers to the treble last season and has been working in the community throughout the summer, delivering coaching and assembly talks across Merseyside.

He said: “It’s good be staying with the Tigers, and staying home. It’s nice to play in front of friends and family every week.
“I just want to keep winning, keep competing and keep picking up trophies, and help the club to grow in the city.

“I want to be part of something special and help the club grow in the city. I want to be able to promote basketball in Liverpool, and get kids playing something other than or as well as football, and help them develop new skills and abilities. I’d love for that to be basketball.”

Aliu featured in 35 games in 2010-11, averaging 23 minutes and 12.5 points per match, and ended the year with Championship, Trophy and Play-off winners medals.

He added: “We had a good group last season, and I’m looking forward to being part of it again.”

Coach Tony Garbelotto is continuing preparations for the new season, which begins on October 2 away at Cheshire Jets. Last week, the club revealed it will play its home games at the new Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park facility in Huyton.

Season tickets are now available priced at £150 adults, £60 juniors, £105 student/OAPs. There are also a number of family packages available, and they can be purchased via www.merseytigers.co.uk/shop or by calling 0151 203 3443.