Worcester Wolves name Paul James as their new coach

James led Guildford to the 2006/07 BBL Cup and League double

Worcester Wolves have appointed Paul James as their new coach, replacing Chuck Evans who resigned last month.

James left Guildford Heat at the end of last season, four years after helping to form the club, and was named BBL Coach of the Year in 2006/07.

He said: "There is a passion and tradition for basketball at all levels in Worcester and there is, in addition, ambition as well.

"We want the team to be challenging for BBL honours season after season."

He added: "We hope to get better and better over the next few years.

"The potential here is huge and I sincerely hope to bring success to the club before too long.

Paul is out of the very top drawer of British coaches

Worcester Wolves owner Roger Clarke

"I can assure fans that the hard work of recruiting a team has started and I hope to start announcing players soon."

James will take charge of his first competitive game in January and arrives at Worcester little more than a week after Evans resigned and six players had their contracts cancelled, prompting the club to postpone their December fixtures.

But owner Roger Clarke is hopeful that James' appointment will help bring stability back to the club.

"Paul is out of the very top drawer of British coaches and with him joining the Wolves it shows to our loyal fans that we are over the unfortunate incidents of the last few days," he said.

"I am really happy at the speed in which we were able to tie up the details with Paul and by inviting one of the best coaches in the UK to work with the Wolves it shows our intentions very clearly.

"The fight back has begun in earnest and we aim not just to free wheel and complete the remainder of this season but also to try hard and really achieve something."