Plymouth Raiders sack coach Gavin Love

Plymouth Raiders have sacked coach Gavin Love only three weeks before the start of the new season.

Love was appointed as head coach in 2010, replacing Gary Stronach, and led the Raiders to the BBL semi-finals last season.

"The board has carried out a pre-season review and as a result has passed a vote of no confidence in Gavin taking the club forward," read a statement.

"We therefore had no alternative but to terminate his contract."

The 35-year-old played for the Raiders for 13 years before retiring in 2008 and the club retired the number six jersey he wore as a mark of respect for his contribution on the court.

"Plymouth Raiders are well-known and respected as the benchmark for junior development and match night presentation," continued the statement.

"We also believe it's time that we were considered the benchmark for performance, and rewarding our loyal and fantastic supporters and many many volunteers with some truly entertaining basketball and winning performances.

"Newcastle held that mantle for nearly a decade. Last year it was Leicester. Why not Plymouth this year?"

The Raiders' first match of the BBL season is against London Lions on 29 September.