Goalie transfers: Kettle to HWHC confirmed

The building rumours were a straight swap for Kettle for Gibson, and all has been confirmed, with the swap being made official. With Gibson already confirmed in June (neither will be physically registered with their respective teams yet, without the window open!), a straight swap of Kettle to HWHC makes sense given goalkeepers available for a move and interested. With Gibson's arrival, Kettle wouldn't really be wanting to give up his spot, so a straight swap means he becomes the 'go-to-guy' at Hampstead.

Options for Hampstead would be pretty limited as to goalkeepers interested in leaving clubs they are established at (can't see Tommy, Bailey or Smith wanting to move away, although Smith might consider a swap from EG) and with hockey being officially an amateur sport, players are restricted by commute, jobs and everyday life, so getting an almost straight swap of player ability and team commitment is important for them to build in time for the season starting.

With his commitment to Wales and the increase in international training and practise games, some questions were raised over these commitments, suggesting that it was wearing him down and affecting his match performance, given his slump in play (at least, from the top tier standard of goalkeeping we expect from him). And this talk linked him with rumours of going back West perhaps to join Cardiff to be closer to the Welsh setup. But with working in London, I can't see that myself...

Regardless, it will be interesting to see how well Hampstead adapt to a changing squad sheet and how they will perform with the experience and capability of a 'custodian between the sticks' like Kettle.

 http://hwhockey.club/welsh-dragon-kettle-joins-hampstead-westminster/

Rumours running dry...

Even though the pre-season hasn't really fully started for most national league clubs (even if a lot of amateur football clubs are training twice a week already!), I'd be expecting to see and hear more transfer rumours. Whilst we know that the major players have already signed on the dotted line, there could still be some comings and goings. And yet, all I know of is as follows:

• James Bailey is supposed to be going to Wimbledon. This has been backed up by a few trustable sources and whilst I know that Wimbledon do a good job of looking after their players, other than a boost over Tom Millington (not that he isn't up for the task; that back spasm could have worried coaching staff), I'm not sure why Bailey would move at this present time, given Euro Hockey League experience and Reading looking to push for the title. Plus, there aren't any quality goalkeepers spare to fill his shoes if he does go.

          Verdict? Possible, but won't believe it til I sees it.

• Harry Gibson had been linked with Southgate and HWHC. But given that the more than able Allan Dick has signed with the North London club and Tommy didn't manage to oust 'Scanners', I can't see the plausibility of these; being more purely gossip based. Unless Harry is taking a work placement somewhere, I don't know why he'd leave Loughborough just for a single season and he is fine where he is, already growing in experience and showcasing his ability. The Students need a rock in goal for them to spread confidence and certainty and I can't see them letting him go. 

          Verdict? Pure 'pony' (i.e. cadswallop!)

•  With Havant having been demoted, there have been a few leavers jumping ship to Fareham and Chichester, which would make sense for those with more national league experience not wanting to take their chances of staying down for a while (in case things don't work out in the immediate...). So this could see Ben Cowling going to either club.

          Verdict? Again, wait and see!