Head coach Todd Williams is hoping two new signings can see Surbiton’s men bring silverware to Sugden Road next season, writes Sean Cotter.
Not content with already having two of last season’s MHL Premier Division’s top four goalscorers – Matt Daly top with 22 and Alan Forsyth fourth with 18 – the Surrey club have added more firepower to their arsenal.
Former colt Nick Cooper, after culminating three successful season’s at the University of Exeter by ending up as the National Conference West’s leading scorer with 22 goals last season, confirmed a return to Sugden Road on Friday.
Williams made a statement of intent in completing a double swoop by securing the services of England training squad member Dave Beckett from Premier Division rivals Cannock.
The club’s men have been outshone by their female counterparts in recent years with captain Sarah Haycroft’s team completing the WHL Premier Division and Women’s Cup double this season.
And the Surbiton chief reckoned his new arrivals can help redress the balance.
“We are delighted to welcome David and Nick to Sugden Road,” he said.
“While our progress over the past two seasons has been pleasing we now want to get to the very top and believe both David and Nick bring the sort of qualities we want in our players to achieve that goal.
“Importantly, we also hope that success with us will help them achieve their own international hockey goals.”
Meanwhile, Surbiton’s Emma Batten has recovered from a serious knee injury – which saw her miss all of last season – to be named in the Wales hockey squad for the Commonwealth Games.
Clubmates Georgie Twigg and Hollie Webb start England’s Rabobank World Cup campaign on Sunday in Belgium with a group B clash with USA before taking on China on Tuesday.
England take on South Africa, Argentina and Germany to complete the group stages.
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