Cheshire Phoenix would 'love' to go trophy hunting this season.

But the club is not getting ahead of itself before taking a run at the BBL Championship.

Hopes are high after the appointment of new head coach Colin O'Reilly and a raft of new signings to give Cheshire a fresh look.

General manager James Brice is optimistic ahead of the Phoenix's opener away at Worcester Wolves on Friday.

He said: "Obviously we have a new head coach this year and we want to win as much as we can.

"It’s about working towards being better than you were the day before.

Cheshire Phoenix general manager James Brice
Cheshire Phoenix general manager James Brice

"I think we have got a talented group and we would love to win a trophy.

"We want to be the best we can be and if that brings us success then that’s even better."

O’Reilly, who has replaced John Lavery, starred as a player for the Cheshire Jets between 2009 and 2012.

The 32-year-old is charged with replicating the huge success he had as player coach for Irish side UCC Demons.

Colin O'Reilly in his Cheshire Jets days
Colin O'Reilly in his Cheshire Jets days

The Phoenix GM said: "Colin is stamping his mark on the team for sure. He’s come in with new ideas and a new plan.

"When he was appointed he brought a philosophy which we really bought into, everyone likes what he is about.

"As someone who was here at Cheshire when it was successful he has been instilling a winning mentality throughout the club, which I think we have lacked over the last couple of years.

"It’s definitely moving us in the right direction, we are now building a club instead of just a team."

The Phoenix have six new additions to their roster, including overseas signings Earl Brown, Josh Fox and Marcel Mosley.

Now in their second season at Cheshire Oaks Arena, Brice said the place was starting to feel like home, although the signings will take time to adjust.

Earl Brown is among a number of new signings for Cheshire Phoenix

Nix fans will get their chance to see the team in the home opener against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday.

Brice said: “For the staff and the fans Cheshire Oaks is home, but we’ve got a brand new team.

“At the start of last year we struggled to win on our own court so hopefully we can change that this time round.

“It doesn’t come much tougher than Worcester Wolves and Newcastle Eagles over a weekend.

“You’ve got to beat these teams if you are going to challenge.

“If there’s ever a time for playing Newcastle it’s now as they might not be up to speed. We respect them and what they do, but we are also really excited to play against quality opponents.”

Four preseason wins have put Cheshire in good shape to hit the ground running.

The general manager said: "We are really excited coming off a great preseason where we have won four in a row. Preparation has gone well.

"I think the team has clicked a lot earlier than we expected and showed some really good signs.

"The whole club is excited and raring to go."

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