GER - Frankfurt Skyliners sack Barton

FRANKFURT (BBL) - Deutsche Bank Skyliners sacked coach Charles Barton with the German BBL team having lost four of its last six games.

The decision comes just days after the Frankfurt club lost 81-48 at home to Brose Baskets Bamberg.

"We haven't developed over the last couple months. And after the big loss we didn't have the feeling that Charles was reaching the team or could bring some improvement - for example in team play," said Skyliners directing manager Gunnar Wobke "The club and I have come to the understanding that this move is the best for the team," said Barton, who joined Frankfurt in January 2006 and had a contract until June 30, 2008.

"The separation was disappointing since we had planned with Charles for the long-term. But we didn't see any alternatives," sporting director Kamil Novak added.

Until a new coach is found, former assistant coach Mike Kalavros will serve as interim with help from assistant Daphne Bouzikou.

The leading candidate to replace Barton is Stefan Koch, who was sacked at Giessen 46ers earlier this season. Koch coached in Frankfurt for nearly two seasons and led the Skyliners to the 2000 German Cup crown.

Novak said the club wants to sign a new coach as soon as possible - possibly before Frankfurt's game Sunday at Ludwigsburg.

David Hein
FIBA