Basketball: England stuck in backwater

England retreat to the international backwaters of Guildford for their final European Championship semi-final group game, but the visit of Russia to the Spectrum Arena on 26 February will not be the last game in charge for the coach, Lazlo Nemeth, writes Richard Taylor.

The Hungarian's three-year contract lasts until the end of May, but earlier in that month Nemeth will guide England in one of four qualifying tournaments for the 1999 European finals. The draw for those events will be made after the final round of group games this month settles the line-up for this summer's finals. The Basketball League, which promotes England's home games, have been unable to attract sponsorship or coverage to generate income necessary to stage the Russian game at one of the major arenas.

The League's chief executive, Mike Smith, said: "Without an element of success it is so difficult to attract interest." The irony will not be lost on those who see the League's decision to allow five Americans per club as a significant factor in the England team's decline.

Having hired, fired and recycled more than 70 Americans this season, it was little wonder that yesterday's transfer deadline passed quietly. Ed Harmon joined Worthing and Scott Paterson signed for Newcastle.