Breen keen on a QBL stint with the ’Neers

BASKETBALL: The Toowoomba Mountaineers have their eyes set on a replacement men’s coach as negotiations continue with Danny Breen.

The Ipswich Grammar School hall of famer was named 2003 QBL coach of the year with the Ipswich Force, and has also had a stint as head coach of the Queensland Academy of Sport.

Director of operations John Gouldson said talks were progressing positively with Breen.

“We’re still negotiating with Danny, and if the board can make suitable arrangements for him, he will become the men’s coach,” Gouldson said.

“Danny has had past experience in the area dating back to the 90s when he was the regional director of coaching for Basketball Queensland in Toowoomba.

“We’re looking forward to making an announcement once all the arrangements have been finalised, but he wants to come.”

In term’s of finding a women’s coach, Gouldson said the board opted against looking at bringing in an overseas candidate.

“The board had a very difficult decision to make in regards to the women and decided not to appoint foreign residents,” he said.

“This is because of complications with work requirements on the visa, therefore the two applicants remaining will not be appointed.

“We’re in negotiations with someone who is interested in coaching the team, and there’s a prospect we’re confident we can meet a suitable arrangement with.”

With teams having to be nominated to Basketball Queensland by November 11, Gouldson said a meeting would be held of all QBL and SBL men’s and women’s players this Monday.

“We’ll be having an urgent meeting of the board with all players from the 2018 squad and those interested in joining in 2019,” he said.

Players are invited to the meeting at Clive Berghofer Arena from 5.30pm.