Portlaoise Panthers appoint new men’s coach ahead of next season

Portlaoise Panther’s Men’s team have a new head coach ahead of the 2021/2022 season.

Dubliner Mick Thompson will be prowling the sidelines whenever action is permitted to resume.

The Covid-19 pandemic saw Basketball Ireland cancel the National League this year – with indoor sports not expected to be given the green light before the summer at the earliest.

Portlaoise Panthers received numerous applications for their head coach position and have named the former Eanna and Templeogue teams Super League coach to take the helm of their men’s side.

Thomson is a highly respected and successful coach and proven winner on a national level at underage, national league and super league level.

His proven experience winning promotion for Templeogue up to the super league gives the Panthers a lot to look forward to in the new season as the game emerges from the coronavirus lockdown.

Speaking on the appointment, Thompson said: “I am delighted to be joining Portlaoise Panthers Basketball Club and getting the opportunity to work with the fantastic squad of players that are there.

“I can’t wait to get started when it is safe to to do so and then we can start to build on the strong foundations that are already in place.

“Hopefully it won’t be too long before we are all back on court again.”

Meanwhile, long time servant Jack Scully has also been confirmed as the assistant coach.

He said: “With his credentials second to none, Mick Thompson will bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Portlaoise, leading us out of the pandemic into the new season.

“We are very excited for the season ahead.”

While Panthers chairperson Shay Dooley added: “We are delighted to welcome Mick Thompson on board to the club and push our senior men’s team to their maximum potential.”

With the new season expected to commence around September, the Panthers hope the national vaccination programme stays on target to allow the safe return of the sport.

Clearly, this high profile announcement is just the shot in the arm needed for the Panthers side.

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source https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/03/19/portlaoise-panthers-appoint-new-mens-coach-ahead-of-next-season/