Following a meeting earlier this week between the directors of BiG Storage Cheshire Jets and player / coach TJ Walker, it has been decided, by mutual consent, that TJ ‘s contract of employment will be terminated at the end of January.

Peter Hawkins, BiG Storage Cheshire Jets Director commented, “ The club has ambitious long-term plans both in relation to the Community Programme we initiated this year and to the development of the Club in basketball terms and it became apparent during our meeting with TJ that our visions no longer coincided.   After considerable discussion, all parties agreed that their interests would be best served if the contract between the Club and TJ was terminated.    We would, at this stage like to place on record our sincere thanks to TJ for his valuable contribution to the setting up of what has effectively been a brand new basketball club this season, and to pay tribute to his input to the organisation of our new Hoops4Health Community programme which has been such a major success in schools in the City, the county and out into North Wales. We wish TJ all the best for the next stage of his career.”

TJ Walker added, “I would like to thank The Jets for the chance to coach in The BBL and wish the players and team all the best for the rest of the season.”

As a result of TJ’s departure, Director of Basketball Paul Smith will take over the coaching responsibilities this weekend.   “The priority for the team is to stay focused and deliver the sort of performance against Leicester that we have given for the rest of January. We will finalise our coaching structure for the rest of the season during the course of next week in consultation with the players, but before that we have a game to win on Sunday night.’

Andrew Donaldson, owner of BiG Storage, The BiG Storage Cheshire Jets principal Sponsor, added his thanks to the departing TJ, saying “The basketball team has made good progress in adding value to BiG Storage to date and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the club in the long term for our mutual benefit.”