Cheshire Phoenix forward Phil Brandreth has left the club to join National League outfit the Sefton Stars.

The 27-year-old from Ellesmere Port had been with Cheshire for his entire career after growing up as a fan of the team.

Brandreth has experienced many highs and lows with first the Jets and then the Phoenix. He ended his rookie season with a BBL Trophy winner’s medal and helped the club to the BBL Championship in 2004-05.

Last season Brandreth was part of the Jets team that made a surprise run to the BBL playoff semi-finals.

He stuck with the club through a turbulent start to the 2012-13 campaign as the Jets eventually became the fan-owned Phoenix.

But speaking to Chester Chronicle, Brandreth said that the time is right to move to Sefton, where he will combine playing with coaching the Stars’ U18 team.

“I will be playing more basketball at National League level and also helping coach the next generation of players,” he explained.

“I have had a great career with the Phoenix, with plenty of highs and lows, but hopefully another young player, like Niel Gillard for example, can come on and help open the door for more talented local players to suit up in front of their friends and family as the Phoenix builds for the future.”

By Andy Jowett