ONE of the stars of championship basketball team Newcastle Eagles has doubled up his day job by joining Esh Group on secondment.

The appointment of Andy Thomson, reinforces the bond between the Eagles and Esh Group – which has been a main sponsor of the club for main sponsor of the club for last 5 years having started with the wheelchair squad in 2008.

Mr Thomson combining his role at the BBL table toppers by working as part of the Esh Added Value team which delivers the Building My Skills and Esh Communities programmes across the region to schools and community groups.

“The work is expanding my understanding and knowledge of the business world which is sure to be important in my future when my playing career ends,” he said.

Paul Blake, director of Newcastle Eagles said: “Andy is an excellent ambassador for the Eagles and I’m confident he will soak up this opportunity and create value for Esh Group, the Club and himself.

“He is very experienced at delivering the work we do at the Eagles with young people through our Hoops for Health programme – spreading messages about well-being, commitment and personal responsibility – and I expect he will develop in leaps and bounds through being involved with other programmes and a different working environment.”

Brian Manning, the chief executive of Esh Group, said:

“The partnership between Esh Group and Newcastle Eagles is not just about money, it’s about supporting each other’s staff and our ambitions both on and off the court.”