John Lavery insists his new-look Cheshire Phoenix side has what it takes to challenge for honours as they prepare to launch their new BBL campaign.

Phoenix begin their season away to Sheffield Sharks on Friday, September 27 (7.30pm) and follow that up with a home clash against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday, September 29 (5.30pm).

Lavery, back at the club for a second stint as head coach, has overseen a number of changes to the roster and has been encouraged by his side’s preparations.

He insists they will be aiming high this season.

“I have said from day one that the reason I came back was to challenge for silverware, and that won’t change,” said Lavery.

“I think the foundations are being built at this club, on and off the court, to be real contenders. We have big ambitions and we will be aiming high, absolutely.

“We’ve got pretty much a completely new roster for this season, but the preparations have gone as well as we could have hoped. We’ve been together now for about three weeks, and it is all falling into place nicely.”

Cheshire have added American quartet Yannick Crowder, Reggie Middleton, Dominique Coleman and Calvin Clemmons to the roster, and have Shawn Myers and the returning Chris Pearce to bolster their ranks too.

“It’s all looking good,” added Lavery. “We have two tough games to start the season, but that is what we expect. This league is very open, and anyone can beat anyone on a given night.

“I expect Leicester to be strong, and obviously Newcastle too. I think Worcester and Plymouth have recruited particularly well in the summer, so they could well be strong.

“The key for us though is to concentrate on ourselves and make sure that we are ready for any challenge that comes our way. We have had three good warm-up games which we have won, and we look ready to attack the new season well.”

He added: “I’m looking forward to it. It’s always good to get a season under way and once the games start coming thick and fast, it is easy to get into the swing of things. I’m hoping for a really good season.”