Cheshire Phoenix coach Ben Thomas is determined to recruit quality acquisitions to improve the club this summer.

But Thomas, who led the Nix to BBL Cup glory last term, admits that securing the services of new talent has proved difficult thus far.

The addition of point guard Ashton Khan to his roster has been offset by the departure of Devan Bailey, who has joined French side Marmande.

With new deals currently on offer to the core of the Nix playing roster, Thomas admits pre-season can often be a waiting game.

He said: "Devan is one of the players we offered a contract to, but unfortunately for us he's decided he wants to try a different league.

"In Britain there are only 12 professional clubs, while there's a bigger market for the game with hundreds of teams and Devan thinks the opportunities will be better for him over there.

"It’s a huge opportunity for him and we are sure he will be hugely popular there as he was with us, so good luck to him.

"For me, it feels like I am a bit behind where I was last summer when I had seven players signed up at this stage.

"Part of the reason for that is the fact that I'm being a bit tougher with myself in terms of who I bring in.

"Anyone we bring into the club has to improve us as a team and has to help bring more success to the club.

"To get those type of players and to convince them to sign can take time, but we're determined to do it.

"We have quality here as well and retaining those players can be a big ask sometimes, but we'll see where we are by the end of the summer.

"We are moving closer to one or two new signings, but nothing else has materialised as yet."

Khan's addition to the squad could prove to be a shrewd acquisition, following his two and a half seasons with BBL Championship rivals Worcester Wolves.

"Ashton averaged around 20 minutes per game last season but has some impressive stats behind him" added Thomas.

"I think in terms of overall contribution he was level with Robert Sandoval, who was a big player for us last season.

"It's difficult to say right now how he'll fit in to the side because we're still putting the components of next season's squad together.

"Potentially he could be a very important player for us."