BiG Storage Cheshire Jets are pleased to announce the signing of English guard Richard Murphy for a 4th season in an enlarged role within the wider Jets organisation.

Richard will be a key part of Head Coach TJ Walker's squad for the coming season. TJ say's he is delighted to have captured Richard's signature. "Murph finished 6th overall in the league last year for 3 point shooting and opposition teams know they can't leave him any space to shoot. He will complement the fast powerful team we are assembling for this season. It's great to sign a guy who grew up in the region. The team is now taking shape and I'm very much focussed on our first game of the season away to Plymouth on 21st and looking forward to a full house for our first home game on 23rd September against Sheffield Sharks."

Richard's role within the Jets organisation will be as Sports Community Officer as part of the Jets' ambitious schools and youth programme for the coming season. Peter Hawkins, Director of BiG Storage Cheshire Jets explained, "we were delighted with the response we had to our advert for the community role; most fans know Richard as a great basketball player and top class shooter, over and above that he has attained a degree in Sports Development and Physical Education from John Moores University in Liverpool and has built a successful career outside of basketball working with children of all ages, he was an extremely strong candidate for the role. We will be delivering basketball coaching, multi skills training and healthy lifestyle advice to over 3,000 young people over the coming season, Richard will play an integral part in the delivery of the programme. Our aim is to show Cheshire children what a great sport basketball is and why it's the second most popular sport in the world."

Richard himself is delighted at the appointment. "There is a real buzz around The Jets this year; everyone is really excited about the team that TJ is assembling. Having seen the plans for the community programme, it has been put together very professionally and I look forward to helping to deliver it, it's really exciting to be involved at the start of what will become a major regional programme over the coming years."

BiG Storage Cheshire Jets also confirmed their first pre season friendly. It will be played against BBL new boys Birmingham Panthers on Sunday 16th September, tip off 5:30. Director of Basketball Paul Smith said "the game will be an opportunity for the new team to play together against tough competition ahead of the real thing a week later, it will also be the first chance for fans to see the team and meet the players at Northgate Arena."

Contract negotiations are continuing for the remaining members of the squad and further announcements are expected shortly