A refreshed Coventry Crusaders are to take to their travels without long-standing coach Marcus Garvey, who has been drafted in to help out the ailing Quality Cats.

The team will play Manchester Magic after training well as a group during the Christmas break.

But Garvey, who has been Assistant Coach for nine years has been sent in to try and patch up the Quality Cats.

He will be backing up head coach Dave Lyons in trying to turn the fortunes of the women’s team around after a disastrous start to their new life in Coventry.

Garvey will still run morning sessions with the Crusaders, and will be with them when there is no clash with the Cats.

Quality Cats face a tough London team this Saturday as they come up against Thames Valley Tigers. Their next home game is at the Coventry Sports Centre on 13 January at 5pm, and the game will be followed by the Crusaders vs Sutton at 7.30 pm.

Crusader boss Dip Donaldson said he would be sorry to lose Garvey:

“We have worked closely together for years and he has always been a great support to me. He has been my right hand man and I will probably feel the loss more than anyone.

“He is a faithful, loyal and dedicated student of the game and has helped me a lot over the years. That is why I think it is necessary for him to go work with the Quality Cats now.

“We have had a successful first half to the season, whereas the Cats have been struggling. I think Garvey will be able to help the women’s team out a lot and help maximise the talent of some of the players like Tiffany Mitchell and Ruth Graveling who have not yet reached their full potential this season.”

Donaldson said life with the Crusaders is currently good, with morale and team spirit sky high.

"Our practises have been very positive this week. The guys have come back after their break really hungry to play ball and to be together again.

“Dominic Davis is close to 100 per cent fit again after his bout with a back problem, and is looking very good and confident in training.

"Marvin Harrison looks comfortable with his role and with his team mates after his first Christmas ever outside the USA, and Marvin Livingston continues to please with his fine contributions.”

Crusaders will be without Manny Sharland, who is still away, and Colin Rhooms, who is still rehabilitating after an ankle injury in early December.