On 16 February 2021 Hannover United informed the public about the release of top scorer Joe Bestwick. In the wake of this announcement, we sent both Joe Bestwick and Hannover United a handful of questions – with a request for answers. Both sides complied with this request. We publish the answers one-to-one. Team manager Udo Schulz answered for the club.
Interview with Joe Bestwick
Before we start: How do you feel in this current situation?
“Yeah, not great. I feel really lost and confused with the acute situation but also really busy with trying to figure out what the right thing is now for my family long term, as we had always understood that this was to be my last professional club and that the family would be growing up here. Now there is definitely some “Existenzangst” (existential fear). Plus the uncertainty of how I’m going to stay fit/ready for a new club next season, not to mention the dream of potentially representing Germany at a Paralympics.”
Hannover United has published in its press release of February 16th to „instantly end the cooperation [with you] instead of by the end of the season“ and „that you are released from training and games“. Does that mean that your working contract has been terminated without notice? Or does that mean that you are – with full benefits – released until the end of the season?
“Generally I don’t want to, or think it’s right to, talk about details of a working contract. But as far as I understood it it was always explained to me that I was going to be here next season and for the foreseeable future, so long as there wasn’t some sort of huge financial issue that meant that wasn’t at all possible. So I was surprised to read that it was planned as that certainly isn’t how I understood any of our previous discussions.”
What triggered Hannover United to take that step in your opinion? What is your view on the story?
“I honestly don’t know. I, and everyone else, knows I can be difficult to play with and that I am very ambitious, but I have always had the best intentions for the club and their development at the heart of everything. The first I heard about anything was on court after the game when I was told that the coach felt he couldn’t trust his own decisions because I was too influential, and that the team couldn’t play relaxed because I demanded too much. Then a text later than night to say I wasn’t to come to the game on Sunday. Then a short meeting on Monday with the manager and accountant to confirm my contract situation, at the end of which I was told I wasn’t to train or play anymore. Since then I had hardly any contact to anyone so I’m still in the dark.”
What effect will your release have on the team?
I’ve no idea. You’d need to ask them
How did both the team and your environment react to your release?
“From the team you’d have to ask them.
My friends and family have been amazing and so supportive. I’d be lying if some weren’t hoping this might encourage us to move back to England, but they’re also completely supportive of me wanting to continue my career here. I’ve also been blown away by the huge amount of really kind and supportive messages I’ve received from all around the wheelchair basketball world. That’s something that has helped a lot in the last days. ”
Is there anything you would like to tell the fans?
“At the minute it is a little difficult to think positive of course, but I would like to say thank you to the Hannover fans for the amazing atmosphere they’ve provided over the last years, it’s something I’ve really missed this half a season. I can promise that I have always given everything I have to make Hannover as successful as possible. However surprised and disappointed I am to have it end this way, if there’s the right situation with another team here in Germany for myself, but most importantly for my family, then I’ll look forward to coming back here to play in front of the fans again one day. ”
Interview with Hannover United
Before we start: How do you feel in this current situation?
“This obviously is no easy situation for anyone involved. None of us, neither players, coach nor management have ever been in a similar situation. It has cost us a lot of energy and is emotionally hard on everyone.”
Hannover United has published in its press release of February 16th to „instantly end the cooperation [with Joe Bestwick] instead of by the end of the season“ and „that you are released from training and games“. Does that mean that the working contract between Hannover United and Joe Bestwick has been terminated without notice? Or does that mean that Joe Bestwick is – with full benefits – released until the end of the season?
“Hannover United has released Joe Bestwick from games and training. The club will fullfill all its contracts – with full benefits – until the end of its term on Mai 31st 2021.”
What triggered Hannover United to take that step in your opinion? What is your view on the story?
“Internal differences were crucial in that decision. The word internal means, that we won’t communicate reasons or events to the general public. We hope you can understand that. Apart from these differences with Joe we are losing a great player, that we cannot replace. Hannover United thanks him for is commitment, that pushed the development of both the club and every player. We wish Joe and his family all the best for the future.”
What effect will your release have on the team?
“The team is and always has been more than one really good scorer. But of course these unusual circumstances take their tolls on the players. But on Sunday and also in training it showed, that the team is solid in itself and everyone stands in for each other. Our goal remains to reach playoffs – even with a short bench and without Joe Bestwick.”
How did both the team and the United-environment react to the release of Joe?W
“There has been no anger within the team, all players have accepted and respected the decision of the club. Concerning our environment the reactions have been mixed as to be expected. Some have been really surprised. But with most they trust, that the people in charge have handled this in the best interest of both club and team.”
Is there anything, you would like to tell the fans?
“Our team – in person of Jan Sadler – would like to respond to this question, because they have been lifted up by both our fans and partners. After talking to his teammates Jan says: „We know that we are privileged to play our sport in this pandemic. And we miss, looking at our stands during the games and seeing all of those familiar faces, that have brought us to where we are now by supporting us. During our games we get a lot of positive feedback through the livestream, our social media channels and on our personal phones. We are really excited to read all of these supporting messages in the locker room, both praising and comforting. And we really hope that we can get you back on our courtside really soon.“
Questions: Martin Schenk | Translation & photo: Steffie Wunderl