Mike Burton installed as Lavery’s assistant at Phoenix
Mike Burton has been named as the assistant to Cheshire Phoenix head coach John Lavery for the forthcoming 2013/14 British Basketball League campaign.
Burton, whose connection with Cheshire encompassed 19 years in various roles, agreed to come out of retirement during last season’s turbulent period which eventually saw supporters and local businesses pull together to save the club.
It is somewhat of a case of master and the apprentice as Lavery played under Burton when he was assistant coach at Manchester Giants.
“I’m just glad to be involved again,” said Burton. “And I will help John in whatever way he wants me too.
“I have been assistant coach in almost every scenario at league and international level so I know what the job requires. I am here to support John, give him someone to bounce ideas of and help him bring success back to this club.”
The pedigree and success of Burton who was on hand during the franchise’s memorable ‘Jetwash’ season in 2001-02, serves as a positive foundation for the side who survived against the odds after such a tumultuous twelve months, however Burton believes everything is in place for the club to regain titles, and truly see the Phoenix flames rise from the ashes of the previously titled Jets.
“John is a great, passionate young coach and together we will bounce ideas around and I am sure we will find a way to take the club back to the top,” he said. “We also have the best team manager in the BBL, Andy Green, and we are fortunate to have Andrew Donaldson and Terry Hearfield managing the business side.
“I retired the first time around because we didn’t have in place the sponsorship and back-office support that we have now.
“Andrew and Terry have given us a bigger budget than last season and they have guaranteed it so John can go out and recruit a better squad than last season.
“Last time he was head coach he took the club to the semi-finals of the playoffs on a very tight budget so it will be exciting to see what the club can achieve next season. I’m just happy to be able to help.”
