Wolves Boss Hopes to Reward Loyalty of Wolfpack with Cup Final

Worcester Wolves’ Managing Director, Mick Donovan, hopes the team can reward fans’ loyalty with a Cup Final day out to remember as he looks ahead to this week’s BBL Cup clash.

Mr Donovan thanked fans for their continued loyalty as the University of Worcester-owned side prepares to face Sheffield Sharks for a place in the final, held at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham.
“We are very proud and appreciative of our loyal fans and this season has seen record breaking home attendances compared to previous seasons,” he said. “The fans have a good understanding of the game and, regardless of results and performances, they continue to approach each game with a positive mindset and get behind the team.

“There is certainly a feeling of cup fever in the Worcester Wolves basketball camp this week. Everyone at the Club would love to see Wolves make the prestigious final in Birmingham and the players in particular will be determined to reward the fans and club volunteers with a semi-final win that would bring a great Cup Final day out. I am sure that if we were to make the final, there would be huge numbers making the short trip from Worcester to our neighbouring city.”

The first leg of the Cup tie is at the University of Worcester Arena this Friday (December 9) at 7.30 pm and the second leg will be in Sheffield on December 20.

The winner will face either the London Lions or Cheshire Phoenix on January 28.

Mr Donovan acknowledged that the team and its supporters had faced disappointment since the double winning season of 2013/2014 when the Wolves won both the BBL Trophy and the BBL Play Off final, despite regularly finishing in the league’s top four.

“But, as the team has undergone personnel changes each season since then, our supporters have remained faithful and vocal and have always welcomed new players for each campaign,” added Mr Donovan.

Last season the Wolves made two semi-finals in the BBL Trophy and the league Play-Offs, but just missed out on a place in the final despite winning the second leg after heavy defeats in the first.

This included a dramatic semi-final play-off against Newcastle Eagles in which the team dramatically pulled back a 19 point deficit, only to narrowly lose in overtime.

“Despite having a different team from last year, it is vital that we do not go as far behind after the first leg and the crowd will play a big part in keeping the players on track on Friday,” said Mr Donovan.

“Tickets are selling very quickly and we are expecting a full house once again for what should be a dramatic night of basketball.”

He also welcomed the signing of Robert Gilchrist on a temporary contract last week.

“We have a very talented team this year, but we have been short-handed in the forward position rotation and this was placing huge demands on Dallin and Alex,” he said. “We could not afford to go through such an important December period with an under strength team – there is simply too much at stake. Robert not only brings much needed support, but is an exciting player who also brings another dimension to our line-up.”

You can get your ticket for the home leg of the semi-final here