Manchester Eagles
After finishing second in Division 2 that inaugural season, Coach Beswick led Belgrade to promotion in 1977, compiling an impressive 18–2 record, the best in franchise history.The next four years proved to be a period of consolidation for the team in the top division of British basketball with a first trip to Europe, in the Korac Cup.Halfway through the following season, another major turning point occurred in the Vikings' eventful history when Manchester United F.C.Coach Whelton also played a part in Manchester's sudden upturn in fortunes, making the shrewd signing of Colin Irish who was brilliant in the 1985 Championship Final win over Kingston, scoring 47 points in a 109–97 victory.NBA Hall of Famer, Stockport-born John Amaechi represented United’s basketball team at this time before later making it big in the US.