Tell us a little about your hockey background and how you got into coaching.
I’m a qualified PE teacher, so I’ve always been heavily involved in sport. Hockey has always been my main passion, and I became Head of Hockey at Collegiate School in Bristol in 2006.

Since then, I’ve coached Yate Men’s and Ladies teams, as well as Lydney Ladies. It’s a great buzz seeing players develop, succeed and achieve their goals.

What made you want to take on the Men’s 1st/2nd team coaching role at Gwent Hockey Club?
It’s a very exciting opportunity to coach at a club that has enjoyed recent success, produced some great players and continues to do so.

To be part of that will be a privilege.

How would you describe your coaching style?
I’m a player-centred, elite, inclusive and determined coach.

What can players expect from you at training and on matchdays?
Players can expect current coaching methods that will challenge and stretch them to become the best players they can be.

What are your main goals and ambitions for the teams this season?
Our main aim should be to secure promotion within the leagues. This would demonstrate our commitment to continuing the success that the club has already built.

What do you think makes a successful hockey team?
Fit, focused and united.

What are the key qualities you look for in your players?
Positive, committed and a desire to win.

How important do you think the relationship between the 1st and 2nd teams is?
The ability to have a strong squad of players to select from is one of the most important factors. This has to be part of the mentality of both the 1st and 2nd teams, both when they train and when they play.

What’s your favourite hockey memory or achievement so far?
It’s really difficult to pick just one, so here are three:

Being capped for Wales.
Scoring goals in the National League and European Cup.
Coaching my daughter to Welsh Cup success.

And finally, what should the Men’s 1st/2nd teams be prepared for with you taking charge?
They should be prepared for someone who will give everything he can and who will ask every player to commit to doing the same to help enable success.

We’re looking forward to seeing what the season ahead brings for our Men’s 1st and 2nd teams.

Please join us in giving our new coach a warm welcome to Gwent Hockey Club!