Shaw leaving with heavy heart as his Blazers reign ends
HEAD Coach Matt Shaw is leaving Derby Trailblazers at the end of a trophy-winning campaign.
A lynchpin of the club since 2009, Shaw has announced plans to emigrate to America once his visa application has been completed and approved.
It’s fitting that having won the D1 league title as a player under the late Clarence Wiggins in 2009-10, he lifted the title again as head coach of the Blazers this season, as well as guiding his side to the KitKing Trophy for a second time. He is currently focused on adding the Championship title later this month.
Shaw returned to England in 2004, along with his partner Mel, who he had met while studying at the University of Mary in Bismarck. The couple had planned to stay in the UK for a few years before returning to America but, having been recruited to a dual role of playing for the D1 men and launching the Trailblazers Academy in 2009, his plans changed, resulting in an extended stay.
“For us, the time is now right but we go with heavy hearts,” said Shaw.
“We are excited about what the future holds and there is no doubt we will be back frequently and, of course, keeping a close eye on what’s happening with the Trailblazers.
“When I first got the job in 2009, Charlie Wright and Jeanette Smith were the two people who were most instrumental in bringing me back to Derby to run the academy.
“It was a new venture for Derby Trailblazers and I’m so grateful for their trust and support. Since then, both the club and academy have evolved and grown.
“It’s been a privilege to head up the Trailblazers program. To do a job that is my passion has been an absolute joy.
“I’m aware not everyone likes their job so I know I’ve been particularly fortunate.
“I’ve had the joy to work with so many phenomenal young people, trying to help them become better players but also develop off the court, too.
“For the last six years, Dave and Debra Woodyatt have been incredible to work for and with. They are so passionate, hardworking and caring people who have given so much to the club and I will never be able to thank them enough.
“The club has kicked on, getting through the pandemic and continuing to grow, culminating with the success we’ve enjoyed this season.
“For the first few years, I had the joy to work alongside Clarence at Noel-Baker, where the Academy was based as part of a three way partnership between school, Derby College and the club, and I learnt so much during that time.
“Since his death, I have become ever closer to CJ and it really is incredible to see the dedication she has to the Trailblazers. She has real passion for basketball and the club but also loves to help other people.
“She has been so supportive to me, so she’s another person I will really miss. I’m proud to have been able to do my small part to keep Clarence’s legacy alive and I’m excited to see that continue.”
During his 15-year spell with the club, Shaw has worked with four assistant coaches and says all of them brought unique qualities to the role.
“Steve Baxter, Paul Bowen, Michael Hanson-Morris and Jake Brown have all been awesome in their own way as coaches, but far more importantly they are great friends,” Shaw added.
“We’ve shared so many highs and lows together, hours on the practice floor, on the phone, on mini buses, back and forward about game plans, players, problem solving – the memories are endless.
“I’ve enjoyed their company and having their trust and loyalty has meant so much to me.”
After missing out on the chance to return to the National Cup final this season, Shaw is keen to not only get to this year’s play-off final but also to add another piece of elusive silverware to his CV.
Derby started the play-off campaign last Saturday with an emphatic 108-67 home win over eighth seed Nottingham Hoods and will face fourth seeds Reading Rockets in Sunday’s semifinal at the Clarence Wiggins Sports Centre (7.30pm).
The winners of that game will than face either Hemel Storm or Bradford Dragons in the Championship final on Sunday, April 28.
“I’m so proud of the whole Trailblazers club and there are just so many people to thank,” Shaw added. “Wonderful volunteers who go above and beyond and I know the players are so grateful to all of those people, too.
“There are also so many players I’ve loved working with and I’m grateful for all the dedication and commitment they’ve shown over the years.”
Trailblazers chairman Dave Woodyatt said: “Since becoming chairman seven years ago, I’ve been on an incredible journey helping to steer this club and I’ve had the absolute pleasure of Matt at my side and I certainly couldn’t have done it without him
“He’s shared his knowledge and expertise with me, which has helped the club to be where it is today.
“I hadn’t seen this announcement coming, so when he shared his plans with us, it was a massive shock and I’m still coming to terms with what it means for everyone involved in the club.
“On a personal level I know it means I’m losing a right hand man who has become a friend I have so much respect for.
“I will definitely miss our daily chats but Matt goes with my very best wishes. I know he’ll achieve great things in America because he’ll go and make them happen.”