Lynch optimism remains
foggy on Tyne
It has been up and down on Tyneside this
season, a bumpy ride rather than a rollercoaster one for the Toon Army.
Even though the Eagles failed to pick up any silverware last year, the
excitement and genuine promise of the team was self-evident. By contrast,
the Newcastle team which sits in mid-season, mid-table anonymity has suffered
in comparison to its predecessor in spite of a reasonable on court record.
Head Coach Craig Lynch's task at the tiller
of Newcastle's barge has not been 
helped by negative vibes surrounding the departure of the respected Peter
Scantlebury, criticism from the Geordie media, and sniping from former
star Leon McGee. Water off a duck's back maybe, but how does Lynch himself
rate the progress of his black and white army so far ?
"We're hanging on in there at the moment,"
admits Lynch (pictured right). "We're not playing as well as we could,
but after a poor start, we're OK. I feel that we are poised to pounce
and if results go our way, we can move up into the top four. We've been
winning even when we haven't been playing well but I'd rather be playing
well and winning more comfortably."
"At present, we're too soft which concerns
me. We need to be tougher and we've had some big leads which we've let
slip. I keep emphasising to my guys that they need to concentrate over
40 minutes."
Although at least three of Newcastle's
line up are on schedule to turn out on home soil for February's All-Star
Game, individual inconsistency has been the one true constant of the Eagles'
season. Only Ralph Blalock seems to have truly shined night after night
but others have dropped in and out of the starting line up. A case of indecision
or tactical planning by the playcaller ? Lynch puts up a convincing case
for the latter.
"We've been varying our starting line up
and that can be a positive thing. The main thing the players are
concerned about is getting minutes, so whether they start or not, they
just want to play."
"Chris Fite has some big games in him right
now but he needs other players to step up to help him. Same with Scott
Wilke. We need extra from him. You always have to keep your bench happy
in order to keep the competition up in practice and in games. It's one
of the toughest parts of being a coach but I believe you have to go with
your best guys and if you bring someone in off the bench, it has to improve
on the group you already have out on court."
Jokes Lynch, "I think Mike Finger had it
made with only five players. It must have made his job easy!"
Eagles are still heading for the Uniball
Trophy quarter finals with a potentially promising trip to Derby and remain
steadfastly in the group of teams contesting every spot from third downwards
in the league. Most disappointing was the calamitous exit at the penultimate
hurdle in the Sainsbury's Classic Cola Cup, a 18 point lead inexcusably
squandered. Nonetheless, Lynch retains a cautious optimism for the rest
of the campaign.
"The team made the semi-finals in the Cup,
which was an improvement on last year where we lost in the first round.
I want to finish as high as possible, preferably fourth or higher so we
can have two matches at Newcastle in the play offs. Right now we have to
win some game to ensure we stay away from the play off battle. Edinburgh
have five game in hand, Chester, Leicester, Milton Keynes can all make
a run and hit teams on their night.
With the transfer deadline on January 31,
Newcastle's General Manager Ken Nottage is one executive for whom the quick
presentation of the chequebook is unlikely. His coaching supremo is happy
with the men he has and with young star Gavin Bethel showing glimpses of
his exciting future, Eagles potential seems better than their win-loss
record.
"I think technically now, we're a lot better
than last year. This group of players have a better understanding of what
I want from them. Leon (McGee) and Rob (Phelps) were excellent players
but I look at us as having improved as a team. I'd have liked to have brought
back Mark Boyd, but he turned down our offer and we brought Corey Jackson
in as a replacement."
"I have a good contingent of English players
and for someone else to come in now and get to know our system would be
difficult. If we win some games, we can some some confidence into the side
and make a challenge for Wembley."
For all Eagles' successes in drawing supporters
into the Telewest Arena and setting the club on a sound financial and commercial
footing, nothing could give basketball in north east England a greater
fillip than to inscribe the Sporting Club's name on an item of trophyware.
With 1999 looking like the year of the North in British basketball, maybe
Lynch will have his day come May.
