Saturday 13 September 2014

2014/15 Now Pensions league goalkeepers: Gibson one of many big Hampstead signings

Harry Gibson's move to Hampstead was another earth shaking transfer this summer, with quite a few goalkeepers changing team colours. The well respected youngster with junior international experience and a strong pedigree behind him opted for a move to London town to continue his hockey career post-U21's. Coming off a season where his Lufbra side were demoted (losing key members of the squad, as expected of a uni side), and with two seasons of the Prem under his belt, after stepping into the gap left by Ali McGregor's departure, will be keen to push on from these developmental experiences. Hampstead have been an up and down side since their promotion into the Prem way back when, but there have been some key signings which will surely see them compete with the top tier teams this season.

England U21's star Harry is likely to hit the ground running at HWHC.


Goalkeepers:

  • Harry Gibson (former Loughborough player, England U21's)
  • Ian Scanlon (former U21's with JWC experience, starter for four seasons)
 Incoming - Harry from Loughborough

Predicted starter:

With Hampstead managing to be the one's to attain Harry's signature, I'm pretty certain he has been brought in to start games as the side look to push on up the league. Scanlon has done a pretty good job for the squad, providing an air of consistency, namely taking the side to cup finals, but has had his moments of shakiness and even though Tommy was kept out of the first eleven fixtures in his time in North London, did little to change things (target setting etc. not being there to maintain a high level of technique and so on). However, Scanners seems to work better when he has to compete for the jersey, so who knows really at this stage, and it could be the catalyst to break him out of his funk...

Predicted season:

I think Hampstead could really be a dark horse this season and finish in their highest position yet. Picking up various players of quality from other teams and working together for them to gel could really upset the cart going forward. They have always been strong, but generally lacked the finishing edge, so with all the pre-season's signings, combined with Harry, could see this become a real possibility.

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