MANAGING director Mick Donovan said it was a “great relief” to be able to appoint Ty Shaw as Worcester Wolves head coach with the British Basketball League season looming large.

The 39-year-old American has succeeded Paul James, who ended his eight-and-a-half year reign in late June, and will also take on the role of director of basketball at the University of Worcester.

But Shaw, who played for Wolves and the university between 2003 and 2006, is not due to arrive until mid-September as he looks to be granted a work permit.

Donovan said he was looking forward to working with Shaw who he described as an “infectious character” and reckoned he would make an “impact” at the club.

Shaw’s first BBL game in charge will be against Plymouth Raiders at the University of Worcester Arena on Friday, September 21 (7.30pm).

“It is a great relief but we are pleased that we took the time to complete a thorough search and reach as wide an audience of potential candidates as possible,” Donovan said.

“We are thrilled with the outcome.

“Ty is working very hard on his paperwork at the moment to get into the country as soon as possible because the clock is ticking towards the start of the season and he wants to meet the players and start work.”

Donovan admitted he received about 65 applications from coaches from across the world and was “pleasantly surprised” to see Shaw put his name in the mix.

During his time at Wolves he helped the club win the EBL Division Two play-off finals and the Patrons Cup in 2004 before securing victory in the National Trophy final in 2006.

The university also won their first British Universities championships with Shaw as captain in 2005.

“When we first launched the basketball programme in 2000 Ty was one of our first two scholars that came from America,” Donovan said.

“He left before we went into the BBL but the fact he understands our philosophy and vision is helpful.”

Shaw’s experience at Worcester led him to coach German Pro B sides and at American universities.

Most recently, Shaw has worked as assistant head coach of the men’s NCAA Division Two side Fresno Pacific University before a move in 2016 to NCAA Division One outfit Purdue University Fort Wayne to become assistant coach of their women’s team.

“We have received some really strong applications,” Donovan said.

“There were strong candidates but Ty’s experience in university sport and professional basketball in Germany really helped (his case).”

Under James’ leadership Worcester won the BBL Trophy and BBL play-offs in 2014, reached the BBL Cup final this year and finished in the top four in five of the past seven seasons.

Donovan added: “Ty is our leader in this new era to help us move forward and be even more successful with the university and more competitive with Worcester Wolves.

“We think the people of Worcester will really take to him as he is very passionate, really knowledgeable about the game and has an infectious character.

“We believe he can make a very positive and meaningful impact.”