of sponsorship as the main reasons for the cuts. In June 2009 Allister Gall was named the new captain. In July 2009 James Noel extended his contract. The summer saw the unveiling of a restructured development programme following a merger of Raiders development team with local club Plymouth Marjon Cannons, headed by former Cannons coach George Hatchell. Eric Flato, a recent graduate of Yale University, was signed in July 2009, and the news was soon followed by the capture of Terry Horton, another American, who was brought in from Germany. In October 2009 Anthony Martin was re-signed following a brief spell at Worcester, having departed the Raiders just months earlier. Former Raiders development talent Anthony Rowe signed on a one-month deal in November. Flato picked up a serious injury in November and subsequently left the club. His replacement was Drew Lasker, the team's top-scorer for the past four seasons, who left during the summer, but who had been without a club. He marked his return in a 69–84 loss to Everton on 5 December. In February it was announced that James Noel was released from his contract, due to a series of long-term injuries, allowing the team's bench players more opportunity. Form started to improve throughout the Spring, but a double loss to Glasgow and Worthing at the beginning of April ended any hopes of qualifying for the Play-offs with fives games left of the regular season. Two weeks later it was announced by the club that after 24 years of service Gary Stronach was to step down as head coach at the end of the season. Coming as a shock to many fans, Stronach cited the reason for his departure was that "it's time for me to move on, broaden the horizon and see what's out there." The club started preparations for the new season immediately and ushered in the new era post-Stronach with the appointment of former player and team captain Gavin Love as the new head coach of the Raiders' first team, stepping up from his previous position of Stronach's assistant coach. Love's first signing as head coach came in the form of dual-national American Guard Cody Toppert from Germany. His wife Brittany, a professional football player and United States international, followed him to Plymouth and signed for local team Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Love continued to build the new-look Raiders roster with the signings of England international