Solent Stars are looking for a new first team coach this week after Mark Scott had his contract terminated as part of a major overhaul of the club.

The changes are designed to promote basketball more widely in the area and to re-establish Solent as a major force in the first division.

Apart from running two senior men's and women's teams, the most notable change is the decision not to reappoint Scott as first team coach.

There had been plenty of speculation that his time as Solent coach was running out after Stars just avoided finishing bottom of the league last season with only four wins from 22 matches.

But Scott, who had been in charge for the last four seasons after taking on the almost impossible task of replacing Alan Cunningham, was keen to stay on in his post.

Scott told me he was 'very disappointed' after being informed of the club's decision but declined to comment further at this stage.

Towards the end of last season, Scott made a passionate defence of the team's record, saying they were playing to the best of their ability, but after failing to make the play-offs in three of the four seasons he was in charge, the directors decided it was time to change direction.

"This was a difficult decision," admitted director Jim Rumsey. "Mark has been a committed coach for the last four seasons and has received the personal backing of Bob Paulley (chief executive) and myself."

Paulley added: "Based on the playing results for the last two seasons and the lack of talented locals I intend to ask direct questions and ring the changes."

No immediate appointment is expected as first team coach but the club are anxious that whoever is appointed looks beyond the first team squad to involve players coming through from the junior programme.

Amongst the changes that have been made are the appointment of Bev Guymon as coaching co-ordinator and former Solent player Cheryl Heron as a new member of the board. Mick Byrne is expected to be in charge of the second senior men's team, who will play in the regional third division.

The youth programme will see nine teams being run each week. This has led to Stars being granted four star status under the Club Development programme scheme as well as receiving a Clubmark award to recognise the quality of their coaching programme; only qualified coaches are used.

Solent are also establishing a charitable trust to fund the future training programme with the goal of becoming one of the first clubs in the country to host a basketball academy.