Oxton HC Coaching Changes Ahead Of The 2013-14 Season
Most of you will know by now that Lee Ible will not be coaching the men’s first team next season as he pursues his ambition of representing Wales at the Commonwealth Games next summer by playing for Cannock HC next season. We are all grateful for Lee’s efforts and achievements during his time with us and we wish him every success next season and beyond.
I am however delighted to be able to announce the recruitment of Andy Halpin as the new mens first team coach. Andy is a level 2 qualified coach and brings with him a wealth of experience. He joins us from Northern HC where he was Director of Hockey and has just finished his 5th season there coaching the mens first team. He has also been involved in JDC, JAC and JRPC coaching, working specifically with goalkeepers at the latter. Some of you may also know him from Liverpool John Moores University where he coached their mens first team during his time as a student, leading them to the promotion playoffs to the Premier League. Playing wise, he has represented Lancashire and North West of England at all age groups from Junior to Senior and represented England U21s at the Junior World Cup in 2005. He also has National League experience at Formby HC.
Other changes to the coaching set up for next season include Tom McCurdy taking over from Kate Newman with the ladies coaching and Joe Rooney leading the mens club coaching whilst also taking 2nd team training in place of Chris Flynn. Many thanks to both Kate and Chris for their efforts and commitment last season. I know Tom enjoyed running the club coaching enormously last season and the regular attendees benefited on both an individual and team level. Joe will be looking to continue this and Tom has agreed to cover when necessary and help out every now and then.