Three generations of coaches pit their wits against each other

FAB Flournoy has promised Newcastle Eagles fans a coaching masterclass as three generations of playcallers square up on Tyneside this weekend.

The New Yorker has defended the decision to tackle fierce rivals Glasgow Rocks in a pre-season friendly just weeks before the two teams clash in the BBL.

Newcastle host Tony Garbelotto’s revamped Scottish franchise today before taking on Marc Steutel’s Team Northumbria tomorrow.

Flournoy could barely contain his excitement as he looked ahead to two fascinating tactical battles against two of his closest friends and coaching rivals.

He said: “All three coaches share a desire to compete and play hard.

“No matter what the situation, the ultimate goal is to win every game.

“I know that to be true because that is what Tony taught me from day one and that has been Marc’s philosophy from the start.”

Garbelotto brought Flournoy to Tyneside 16 years ago, laying the foundation for a decade-long era of success for the Eagles.

In the past five years Flournoy has struck up a close relationship with Steutel, helping to guide one of the UK’s best emerging playcallers to build a winning team.

He added: “I am really looking forward to both matches.

“Marc, Tony and I – we are different generations in terms of coaching but we share the same philosophy.

“In the space of 24 hours I will be up against the coach who taught me so much and a young coach who I have spent so much time working with.”

Eyebrows were raised when Newcastle agreed to a pre-season showdown against the Rocks, the latter already being touted as a potential threat to the Eagles’ annual quest for silverware.

Newcastle host the Rocks from 3.00 today at Benfield Centre for Sport and return to the same venue tomorrow to take on Team Northumbria (1.30 tip-off).