Teesside Lions are pleased to announce the appointment of Frank Thomas as Interim Head Coach of the club’s Senior Men’s team, with the highly regarded coach taking charge of the Lions’ NBL Division One programme with immediate effect, following the resignation of Serge Bojev.

Thomas brings significant coaching experience to the role and is a familiar and respected figure within the basketball community.

Having previously coached within the Newcastle Eagles programme, alongside extensive involvement within the Basketball England Aspire programme, Frank has built a strong reputation for developing players, demanding high standards and creating environments in which young talent can progress.

His experience within the Aspire pathway is particularly aligned with the philosophy of Teesside Lions, where developing talented young players and providing a pathway into senior national competition remains central to the club’s approach.

Rather than simply providing continuity, the Lions believe Thomas’ appointment presents an opportunity to bring fresh ideas and renewed energy into the Senior Men’s programme at an important stage of its development.

Frank joined Teesside from Newcastle in June. He is also keen to commit to his roles with the U14 boys and girls programmes, as well as supporting the U18 team.

With Teesside fielding one of the younger squads in NBL Division Two, the challenge will be to continue accelerating the development of the group while converting increasingly competitive performances into results.

The club believes Frank’s experience, coaching knowledge and reputation for player development make him ideally suited to that challenge.

Teesside Lions Director James Thomson believes the appointment gives both Frank and the squad an exciting opportunity to embrace a fresh challenge.

“Frank is someone we have respect for and this appointment is very much based on his ability and the qualities we believe he can bring to the programme.

“He has a wealth of experience, particularly through his work within the Aspire programme and previously with Newcastle Eagles, and he understands how to work with and develop talented young players.

“There is undoubtedly a challenge ahead. We have a young group competing in a very demanding league and we need to continue developing them while also finding ways to turn close performances into wins. But that is also what makes this such an exciting opportunity for Frank, and the club.

“Sometimes a fresh challenge can bring new energy and a different perspective, both for a coach and for a group of players. We have placed faith in Frank and believe he has the experience, personality and basketball knowledge to really make an impact with this group."

Coach Thomas has already began working with the squad as the Lions prepare for the the road trip to Nottingham on Sunday.

The appointment also underlines Teesside Lions’ continued commitment to building a sustainable performance pathway, connecting the club’s junior development structure, Teesside University programme and senior national-level basketball.

For Thomas, it represents an opportunity to take responsibility for an ambitious young team and help shape the next stage of its development.

For the Lions, it is an appointment made with confidence in one of the region’s most highly regarded coaches.