Double-winning coach Gary Smith today issued a final call for Worthing Thunder to move up a league.

But time is running out both for Thunder and Brighton Cougars to turn any dreams of playing in the top-flight British Basketball League into reality.

Clubs have until Friday to make a statement of intent to the BBL in time for next season.

Smith, who led his Thunder side to their first final win at a major venue on Sunday, would love them to step up from the second-tier EBL division one.

He has taken advice from former Brighton Bears owner Romek Kriwald on how to raise sponsorship.

But there remains firm opposition to the move from other Thunder directors.

Meanwhile Cougars admit they need another £65,000 if they are add a BBL team to their ranks of lower league and junior sides.

A BBL franchise costs £90,000 but the league are willing to accept just ten per cent of that up front.

Smith, whose team won the division one play-off final against Manchester to add to back-to-back league titles, said: "The BBL is not a closed door for us.

"We need to bring in the funding to make it happen but we are enthusiastic.

"I know we have people here who want the same as me.

"We would have to raise between £90,000 and £150,000.

"That's a lot of money but we have to try and raise it. We will be there. I know that."

Smith has seen several rival clubs from division one move up and believes Thunder can follow suit.

Taking promotion could be key to keeping together his title-winning team.

Cougars' case is different in that they would look to build a new team altogether to compete in the BBL.

They report favourable reaction from the BBL to the efforts they have made so far, including attracting some funding.

But they are still well short of the figure they believe is needed to step up.

Anne Baverstock, Cougars' executive administrator, said: "What we have done has had the thumbs up as far as it goes.

"We need a major sponsor who could have naming rights as well as a number of smaller sponsors."

The BBL have a board meeting next Tuesday when they will consider new applications.

Andy Webb, at the BBL said: "We have spoken to both Brighton Cougars and Worthing Thunder in the last few days but it would be inappropriate for me to say more than that."

Meanwhile, Thunder enjoy a get together at Hove greyhound racing last night, thanks to vouchers taken from The Argus, as they celebrated their double success.

Having suffered defeat in a string of major finals, they kept their nerve to see off Manchester Magic 102-94 in the play-off decider.

Smith said: "The guys went out and played hard. They did what they had to do to help the team.We handled it well. We were able to execute at the end of the game.

"It hasn't hit home that we won it yet but we will enjoy it.

"They are a good bunch of guys."