Club Statement

[Stephen]

[Stephen]

The Lions Shuffle The Pack

The London Lions, regrettably, have confirmed that the club has parted ways with two players.

Guard Joe Ikhinmwin and forward Adrien Sturt will no longer line up for the capital side after deciding to reject their revised shorter term, performance based, contracts.

“I would like to thank both players for their contributions to the development of the London Lions as a club” commented Chief Executive, Vince Macaulay. “Both players were terrific individuals that you would be proud to be associated with, however due to the nature of professional sport, the club felt it needed to put in new parameters based around performance. We hoped both players would continue with the club with monthly reviews, in this case both players declined.”

The club thanks the players for their service and wishes them well for the future. “I am sure both players will find employment very soon and our fans would be delighted to greet them when they return to play at the Copper Box, they are always welcome at the Lions. Our door is always open for them and it’s been a true pleasure to work with such hardworking and dedicated athletes”. Concluded Macaulay.

[erniep]

A shame to see both guys go,I think Joe will be a big loss.Lets hope Vince signs a very good replacement

[SpaghettiHoops]

Surprising as both were re-signed in the summer, the coaches obviously knew their level then. Vince had commented on what a big season Sturt was going to have and how keen he was to get Joe back.

[nigelg]

It looks to me like a smokescreen. Both players were a big part of the Lions team and I think their positions were made untenable by the new contracts they were offered. Knowing they would not accept the new offer frees up space and money for supposed bigger signings. Basically a certain Lions coach saw Eagles, Riders & Wolves starting to pull away and show title winning consistency. He's panicked and only time will tell if he's left with egg on his face. Anyway, best of luck to Adrien and Joe.