Cheshire Jets of the BBL under new ownership

The Cheshire Jets of the British Basketball League (BBL) has been sold to local businessman Haydn Cook who has taken over and is preparing for the season opener on Sept. 23rd. The team had announced in July that they were looking for new owners, which is when Cook stepped in. The organization release the following press release to announce the transaction:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Following the announcement in early July that the Cheshire Jets were looking for new owners, the club is today delighted to confirm that a deal has been reached that will see the Cheshire Jets BBL franchise continue.

Local business man Haydn Cook will take over the franchise with immediate effect. Haydn has extensive business experience, both in the public and private sector, providing an ideal background to take the BBL team forward.

New owner Haydn said,

‘I am honored to be entrusted with leading the Cheshire Jets, as a long term local resident I took my now grown up children to games at Northgate many years ago and am a long term supporter. When it became clear that Peter was stepping down after 5 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 on 23rd September 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.’

Peter Hawkins added,

‘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 added;

“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.”

The Cheshire Jets would like to take this opportunity to say that talks are ongoing to try and finalise a new facility in Ellesmere Port and they hope to be able to make an announcement in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council over the next few months. The work of Jets Foundation and its programmes will continue and is unaffected by this announcement, it will continue to work alongside the BBL team in the local community.

Haydn Cook added

‘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; 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 The Jets history.’

Announcements on team matters will be made over the next few days.