City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club are delighted to announce Charles Smith as our Men’s First Team Head Coach for the 2024/25 season.
Coach Smith achieved legendary status at Newcastle Eagles after a storied 14-year playing career with Britain’s most decorated basketball club.
He played a vital part in Eagles’ most successful period in their history, picking up 21 major honours with the club before his retirement in 2016.
More recently, Charles has been an assistant coach at fellow National Basketball League (NBL) Division One side Newcastle University.
Playing Career
Charles Smith is widely considered one of the greatest British Basketball League players of all time – winning the competitions Most Valuable Player accolade back in 2015.
His glittering playing career saw him play in Austria, Turkey, Portugal and Spain; although most of his playing days were in the British Basketball League.
During his career, Charles racked up six British Basketball League championships (2006, 2008-10, 2012 & 2014), three Team of the Year selections (2010, 2011 & 2015), three BBL Trophy MVPs (2005, 2010, 2015), five BBL Trophies (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012) and a BBL Cup & BBL Cup MVP in 2012.
His iconic number 10 jersey was retired by the Eagles upon his retirement.
Welcome to Birmingham
Birmingham Rockets CEO, Robert Palmer, spoke of the impact he hopes Coach Smith will have as preparations ramp up ahead of the 2024/25 season.
“We are delighted to welcome Charles to the club as we prepare to continue our ongoing progress on and off the court in 2024/25.”, he said.
“Charles brings a wealth of top level knowledge and experience that we believe will positively impact everyone at the club.
“The season ahead promises to be an exciting one in NBL Division One and we look forward to the team developing in what will be a highly competitive league.”
Charles Smith also spoke of his excitement at joining us at Rockets ahead of the upcoming campaign.
He said, “I am honoured to be named Head Coach of The City of Birmingham Rockets.
“I want to thank Robert Palmer, Paul Douglas, Kirk Dawes and the rest of the organisation for putting their faith in me and giving me this incredible opportunity.
“There has been shared vision throughout this process and within the organisation. And for us to be successful here, The club and my vision is aligned and that is really key. It feels like a perfect fit. I look forward to getting started on this journey.”
Everyone at Rockets would like to extend a warm welcome to Coach Smith and we look forward to announcing further details ahead of the new season very soon!
