The next piece of the jigsaw designed to bring success to the BiG Storage Cheshire Jets next season has been put in place with the re-signing of long-time Northgate favourite James Hamilton, who has put pen to paper and committed himself to another season as part of Paul Smith’s squad. He will combine his playing responsibilities with those of “club ambassador”, promoting the ever increasing community and charity work of the club.

Chief coach Paul Smith commented, “ we are all genuinely delighted that James has decided to commit to the Jets for next year – as he is surely one of the club’s genuine greats.   He captained the team in their historic “Jetwash” season and provided much needed stability in what was a real up and down campaign last season. It is no coincidence that the team’s best performances came when James was fully fit!   In addition, he acts as a tremendous role model for the younger members of the squad, and is always happy to impart his vast knowledge and experience of the game to all our players both on and off the court.”

Pete Hawkins, director of BiG Storage Cheshire Jets, was also keen to emphasise James’ role in furthering the wider aims of the club.   “ With our plans to roll out the Hoops4Health programme to more than 12,000 young people in Cheshire and North Wales and the planned formation of eight youth basketball clubs with 100+ members each, the presence of James Hamilton at the Jets is a major step forward.   In a similar role last season, he made a major impact when he visited participating schools, and we confidently expect he will do the same in 2008-9.   His help in publicising and promoting our community programmes will be invaluable.”

These sentiments were echoed by Andrew Donaldson from principal sponsors of the Jets, BiG Storage.   He commented, “James is a well known and respected local personality, who is exactly the right person to be associated with the promotion of the community programme which the Jets have instituted across the city, the county and surrounding areas.”

Further announcements related to both team recruitment and community activities are expected in the very near future.