Newcastle Eagles are thrilled to announce that they have re-signed Molten Player of the Season Lynard Stewart for the 2008/09 season.

The American centre enjoyed a remarkable first season at the club after making the move from Euphony Bree in Belgium last summer, picking up a league winners medal as well as a string of personal awards throughout the campaign.

Managing Director Paul Blake is pleased to retain the player, a man who recorded double-doubles in seven consecutive games during one particular purple patch, and he believes the decision of Stewart to re- sign is testament to the pulling power of the club and shows the continued ambition of the title winners.

"We are so happy to have re-signed Lynard for a second year and it was always going to be a top priority for Fab and myself." explained Blake. Getting it done so quickly ahead of what will be a busy summer as always just goes to show that we intend to continue moving forward after our fantastic league campaign last season."

"We were proud to see Lynard get the BBL Player of the Year award as well as other accolades from our own players and fans and so knowing that he will be back with us again gives us all a massive boost.

"It also sends out the message that the best players want to stay at our club and that is important for everyone both on and off the court as an organisation. We have no intention of giving up our league championship next year in what will be another fiercely competitive season which is terrific for the league from our perspective, I think this is a great marker for us to put down right at the outset."

Speaking exclusively to mikeshaft.com, Lynard said, "I had the feeling before the end of the season that I would be back. Wasn't completely sure though, but the love I got this year, from the League, and from the fans, made me want to come back. When you get into the latter part of your career, having people appreciate what you do really matters".

Across the season, Stewart averaged 15.76 points and 8.61 rebounds per game leading the BBL in field goal percentage at 67.9% - reasons why player-coach Fab Flournoy is overjoyed to know that he will have the services of Stewart for another year.

He said, "Knowing that you have a class act who will consistently deliver on all fronts is a dream as a coach. "Most importantly Lynard fits into our ethos and what we are trying to do both on and off the floor.

"He came into the team and fitted into our system and the way that we do things with no issues whatsoever. He is a model professional and has a good rapport with his fellow players and myself as a coach.

"Those relationships were highlighted with the awards he received from his fellow players and fans who both recognise his importance not just to the team but also his contribution to the club generally which we always refer to as the Eagles family.

"I am just overjoyed to have him back on board and not least because when we had either rough or smooth times, Lynard was always there giving his all and especially defensively."

He added, "It's a great start to next season and I am sure it whets the appetite of our fans for next season even though we have only just finished this year's efforts."

With Flournoy having recently confirmed his own future by stating that the Eagles are the only BBL club for him, the league champions will continue building on solid foundations for next year and are expecting to make further announcements on players within the next few weeks.

The final word will go to the man himself Lynard Stewart, "I hope I can help the league get more exposure, I hope one day I can look back and say I was one of the first. So all in all I'm happy to be back for another season and I plan on being even better then last year."