It’s official: Russell Garcia has been appointed Scottish Hockey’s senior men’s coach, tasked with taking the squad through to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“I’m very excited about my appointment. We’ve grown a tight bond between coaching staff, players and Scottish Hockey’s Performance Manager. We value an open and honest team environment and intend to keep this consistent,” commented Garcia.
“The squad is a real good group of lads. It’s a positive team, and we’re going to continue to encourage self belief in strengths and a willingness to give 100%. We’re going to maximise use of expert resources, such as the sportscotland Institute of Sport Network and tap into what they offer, and overall make the most of what we’ve got to ensure players enjoy hockey at international level.”
Scottish Hockey Performance Manager Callum McLeod commented: “Scottish Hockey is very pleased to announce that Russell has signed on for a long term contract. In the short time he has been acting as interim coach he has had an excellent track record. He brings a real focus to the post, which is required to climb world rankings.”
Team captain, Chris Nelson added: “Russell offers good stability to the squad and he’s instilled a real team spirit. He’s got everyone on board pushing for the same target, we all know what our responsibility is in pushing towards the same goal.”
Garcia, an ex GB great and ’88 gold medallist, has led the senior men since September 2009 with a successful trip to the World Cup Qualifier in Invercargill, New Zealand where the team won bronze against the likes of world elite, such as China.
When explaining why Garcia is the right man for the job, Nelson added: “He’s a real hands-on coach. He always gets on the pitch and shows us things firsthand. He’s always training himself and is in the gym all the time. He’s got a good eye over the whole programme and tries to get the best out of everyone.
“If you’re not training hard he notices, he’ll pull you aside and speak with you about it and offer motivation and help to get you back on track. He tries to solve problems early. We’ve all got a lot of time and respect for him, as he does for us-it’s a good foundation for success.”
Also taking up post as manager is Eugene Connolly, who has previously coached Scotland’s senior women, managed the senior men’s team from 2002-2007 and is an Honorary Life Member of Scottish Hockey. Connolly said: “I have had a few years off and have recovered with enthusiasm. Garcia is a new, young and eager coach, whom I hope I can assist to take Scotland to top level. It’s a good time to be back in the post with the Commonwealth Games in Delhi coming up too.”
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