WORCESTER Wolves have pulled off a major transfer coup by landing highly-rated Matt Collins from Coventry Crusaders.

Wolves have been tracking the 29-year-old point guard's progress and have now finally secured his services.

However, Crusaders have stalled on their part of the deal and have refused to release Collins, making him ineligible for Wolves' trip to Solent Stars tonight (8pm).

To make matters worse, six-feet one-inch Collins won't be playing for Coventry either as his transfer is effectively done and dusted although he will still travel with Wolves to the Eastleigh-based club.

Director of basketball Mick Donovan expects to have the situation resolved by mid-week and the English Basketball League will step in if not.

Donovan though is delighted Wolves have got their man. He said: "We have been interested in him for a long time. He's the best point guard in the league.

"He's a very good player and will give us a lot more options. We wanted to play him but Coventry haven't released him."

Wolves take a strong squad to Solent and would like nothing better than a case of groundhog day as they prepare for a return to action after their three-week break.

Among that squad is seven-footer Rob Clarke and Donovan holds him in high esteem. "Rob Clarke is making so much progress," he said. "He is beginning to play well in games but we think next year he will be awesome."

Tonight's fixture to start 2005 is exactly the same match they finished 2004 with. The only difference is that tonight's encounter is in English Basketball League Divison One whereas the December 19 clash saw Wolves edge their hosts out 94-91 to complete a National Trophy double and reach the semi-finals.

And a repeat scoreline would suit the University College Worcester side down to the ground in their efforts to make a big impression in the second-half of the season.

"We didn't play that well there," Donovan added. "We really want to attack."