Transfer news: Seager-Green joins Wimbledon

Another England Hockey league transfer saw Taylor Seager-Green join Wimbledon HC. Having finished his degree at Exeter, where he was the first-choice goalkeeper, the former Surbiton starter will now be competing for playing time with league veteran James Bailey.  

Taylor was benching at the Euro Hockey League and will presumably be biding his time until Bailey retires and moves on, freeing up the number 1 spot at the club. The GB U23 goalie was involved in the Young Ones tournament during pre-season and will probably be "chomping at the bit" to get playing time. 

With Wimbledon taking part in the Super Sixes event, Seager-Green's experience playing for Surbiton indoors should also give him another opportunity to impress the management team at Wimbledon. 

Goalie transfers: Foxall-Smith joins Bath

An interesting transfer in the England Hockey leagues has seen Robert Foxall-Smith switch from Brooklands MU to Team Bath Buccaneers. Rob made his debut for the National Premier league side and was their starting goalkeeper for the majority of the season as the team adjusted to new players within the squad and against tough opposition, being dominated in games against Surbiton and Wimbledon. 

Bath are obviously looking to push for promotion this season, hoping that Rob's playing experience will give them an edge and shore up their defence in a division that has already see high scoring games from the likes of Southgate (under Kwan Brown's leadership) and Old Loughtonians (newly promoted into South 1) run away with games; Southgate having already won two games with a score line of 7-1 to their advantage. 

Rob has also taken up a coaching position with the Ladies at TBB, making the most of his playing experience and tactical knowledge to add to his resume and coaching experience. 

Images courtesy of SITTL: 

Sports images through the Lens | Sevenoaks v Team Bath Buccaneers (sittl.co.uk)

 

Goalie transfers: Maz joins Surbiton

Obviously old news, but newsworthy as England's no. 2 Jason Mazarelo has joined Surbiton and will be helping them compete for the title and European hockey. With Harry Gibson having retired, Surbiton bolster their goalkeeping depth with the former Loughborough Students goalie, strengthening their defence with an up-and-coming goalkeeper who will be competing with Ollie Payne for international playing time. 

Maz made his home debut for Surbiton against East Grinstead, achieving a clean sheet, and will obviously be looking to get many more clean sheets during his time with the club. 

England GK James Mazarelo Signs for SHC | Surbiton Hockey Club (surbitonhc.com)

Curtis starts for EG

Last weekend saw Richard Curtis start for East Grinstead, as expected, against Oxted in their first game of the season. Brought in over the summer, the expectation would be that, as an experienced starter in the Premier league with Holcombe, he would be the first choice for the season. Sam Lloyd will therefore be second choice now and will compete for game time with him. 

It will be interesting to see how things pan out over the season (which is being played in a different format due to the international games in 2022 clashing with scheduling and player availability), given that the competition between goalkeepers on the training ground, will only serve to see both goalkeepers push themselves (and each other) to bring out the best in themselves.

Apologies for the potato camera but this was all I could manage with my usual camera out of action...

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/

Transfer news: Gibson to Surbs

With transfers getting underway in the switcheroo of the English Hockey League, the first notable goalkeeper signing is Harry Gibson joining Surbiton. This is an interesting swap given that Kettle solved Surbiton's ongoing goalkeeping conundrum (with split seasons and a regular change in goalies) and provided consistency for them going forward. Gibson alternatively brings a wealth of experience at his age and means Surbiton are in the luxury position of being able to build a squad around him planning ahead.

It would seem that players and clubs are looking to the future and with the next Olympic cycle starting (with the culmination of the Rio cycle), replicating the success of GB goalkeeper James Bailey who joined Wimbledon from Reading and took them to Europe whilst developing into an international standard goalkeeper. And it would seem England/GB coaches are more than happy to be giving young goalkeepers opportunities moving forward, whereas before age and experience at the highest level was considered first (and hard to come by i.e. without those opportunities); remembering that Pinner had to wait his turn behind James Fair.
 
After strong U21 campaigns and a successful debut season in the Premier League, it would appear Gibson is following his ambition and development path into a top keeper, and offering him greater exposure that may provide the platform to attract interest from abroad (like a football move to get Champions League football and so on), given Hinch going to play in Holland and so on.

But with increased opportunities at international level mean Gibson's absence from league games and forces the club to carry two no.1's and juggle the man management of keeping both happy, just like when Scanlon offered cover for him when he was away on international duty at the time. Rumours link his U21 deputy with Elliot Bullman, but he is said to have been plagued with injuries and without much national league experience at Teddington it would be quite a step up for him (or for anyone in that position; U21's isn't men's league!).

http://www.surbitonhc.com/2016/06/surbiton-hockey-club-announce-signing-of-three-new-players/

Noble moves to the Gym

Another goalkeeper that has moved clubs recently, which slipped my mind, is Gary Noble moving to Indian Gym. Even if Mason continues to hold back old father time, he will retire at some point, and having a capable second choice and options is handy for planning ahead!

The Gym had quite a goalkeeper log jam the other side of Christmas and it seemed confusing over the need to have so many goalkeepers around. But with Dowse leaving as well in January, that jam has begun clearing up. Bahia had already joined West Herts but even then there was quite a few in the depth chart. Whilst players can share playing time more easily, benching rather than getting crucial game time can be a huge difference maker and when training simulating reality just doesn't cut it, something's got to give. And in most cases, that's making moves to opening up playing opportunities.

For now, Noble has opened up playing opportunities for himself, with Reading's goalkeeping department stacking up with recent additions, and Tommy holding down the first team place with some great performances, and should be able to learn a fair amount from a mentor like Simon.

Gibson signs with Hampstead

To confirm the switch and turn rumour into fact, Harry Gibson has signed on the dotted line so to speak, making the switch to London based side Hampstead and Westminster. With Loughborough getting demoted, it would seem a fair amount of star university players are leaving in an exodus to ensure they keep developing against the highest opposition than look to recover into the Premier league this season coming. And not content to wait for an opportunity to test his mettle, with so many other goalkeepers changing clubs to follow Olympic and national team hopes, it would seem the move has come at the perfect time for a club looking for more certainty in goal.

HWHC will definitely benefit from this, with Gibson's stock rising after memorable performances in club and U21's games, with Hampstead bringing in a variety of quality players as they look to make the final step to take the next step in league evolution.

http://englandhockey.co.uk/fl/ehl/playermovement_m.asp?l=1

Smith to EG?

Goalkeeper gossip is a bit of rumour has it at the moment. I'm not properly ITK (in the know) right now so can't provide verified commentary, so I'll just report on rumours until things become more certain.

• Ashley Watson is rumoured to be moving to Wakefield (with Cachia joining Beeston could be possible who might want to move away for regular hockey)
• Will Burns at Olton may be joining Sheffield Hallam (studying there as a student)
• East Grinstead are supposed to be signing a British goalkeeper, with it being hinted towards Cannock losing their goalkeeper - this would put Patrick Smith in the frame, and with the England reserve choice looking to make a mark in the Olympic buildup but who knows
• If Cannock are losing their goalkeeper,Tom Pinnegar who joined for a bit before signing with the University of Birmingham, could be a likely option. Already in the area and finishing his degree, it would be a good fit building off his national league experience
• Southgate are supposed to bring in a new goalkeeper to replace Chris Hibbert who has retired
• Rob Turner at Bowdon has mentioned considering retirement before so they would theoretically be looking for a new goalkeeper at some point in the nearer future

Cachia to Beeston

With established incumbent starter George Pinner off to Kent, Beeston have moved quickly to shore up their goalkeeping stock. The side have signed Jamie Cachia from Sheffield Hallam after losing his services to Holcombe. And with Beeston needing to shore up their goalkeeping in order to push for Euro Hockey League placing and to win the league again, Jamie is a great choice.

Helping Sheffield to promotion the season before last (just past), he has grown in experience, consistency and pushing for international acclaim, especially with Scottish compatriot Allan Dick calling time on his international career. Having proven himself more than able to play at this level, with some great performances all season long, he is sure to do well with his new club. He will compete for a spot with Ashley Watson, but it shouldn't be too long until he takes the reins and runs with it given the opportunity at hand.

http://www.nottinghampost.com/Beeston-vow-lose-star-internationals-George/story-21126780-detail/story.html

Pinner to Holcombe

Getting the rumour and transfer gossip train going, it's out new and verified that George Pinner is going down south from his established spot at , with a physical move from the north to Medway, Kent. The whispers were going around that a well known goalkeeper was going to be joining the East conference side that again missed out on promotion (playoffs anyway) at the wire against Southgate (who themselves are back in the Prem). In a similar parallel to that of Maddie Hinch moving from Leicester to take Holcombe to the Premier league in just one season, it looks like Kent's side's investors are looking at changing the back guard to succeed.

With the East conference a close contest, Holcombe need something to chance in order to achieve their lofty ambitions. But how this would happen is the result of different factors. Coaching is one, and if the team is shipping goals that costs their GD (goal difference) tally at the end of the season when tied for points with competition, it says more about how the defence is performing than the forward line. George Pinner will add a depth of experience and personal desire, but is this enough without a cohesive defence to work with? It will therefore be decisive as to whether the move by Holcombe will pay off (literally and metaphorically) going forward.

With Holcombe splashing the cash, there will be a few other players joining to strengthen the squad outfield. This leads to opening up the discussion about the status of hockey players in England in comparison to elsewhere in the world, and the possible lead into professional status. And there are more question marks over the ability to perform as a squad (aka Man City Pelligrini and uniformity) rather than talented individuals bundled together. But why a goalkeeper when Dick has been performing well enough not to be dropped out of mistakes or loss of form?

With it almost halfway through the buildup for Rio, this could have major impact on Pinner and therefore England. For example, this would be like Hodgson turning to Alex McCarthy to play in place of Joe Hart, or Cesar's situation being loaned out to Toronto in the MLS just before representing Brazil in the biggest World Cup in years. Not on a level of quality per say, but on the regularity of top level finishing being faced. And therefore quality of decision making and save making versus top notch chances. However slight, it could have a big impact on his international appearances. Forgoing European hockey (with the EHL) also features in this move by Pinner.

There are a multiple of effects that will obviously occur as a result of Pinner's move. Beeston will be left without their GB star and leaving goalkeeping duties in the hands (and feet) of joinee Ashley Watson. Allan Dick, who just recently called time on his international career, will also be moving as a result (one would assume anyway). Where he goes is anyone's guess for now, but given this public move to bring in a replacement for him, it could be a chance for him to strengthen a squad in the division and help upgrade and shore up their own goalkeeping ranks. 

East Grinstead are also said to be signing a new goalkeeper, as are Beeston. Bit out of sync with these at the moment so not as up to speed as I used to be, but will be interesting to see how things develop over the course of the summer. 

Potton still starting for EG

So it looks like Potton is still first choice for now at East Grinstead, in spite of the signing of Czech international Filip Neusser. And with the high scoring squad not needing a high level goalkeeper to be a difference maker (kind of what you'd expect of a Brazilian football side who see the goalkeeper as the worst player on the field in the first place for some reason!), one wonders why the signing took place. While Neusser was awarded 'goalkeeper of the tournament' for the club indoor championships at the K2 for his performances, helping out the Sussex side in the indoor format, he seems as yet to start in outdoor games for the side. Having attended parts of the home game against Hampstead & Westminster, it will be interesting to see/find out if he makes the team sheet tomorrow (given no goalkeeper was on the bench today), so for now Potton is goalie supreme for EG 1's.

Neusser signs for East Grinstead outdoor as well

Not content with simply being the "go to guy" for East Grinstead in indoor competition, Czech international goalkeeper Filip Neusser has also joined them for the second half of the season as well. With experience playing for his home nation in international competition outdoor as well, it will be interesting to see if he can adapt his form and technique to offer East Grinstead extra competition under the crossbar. Whether he'll be here just to warm the bench I don't know, but cutting an imposing figure with his ridiculous natural height (as shown in the linked photo!), he's sure to scare shooters and make it difficult for East Grinstead to concede.

http://www.hockeyimages.co.uk/3f45008

Tommy returns to the Gym!

With the transfer window just about to close on Monday, a last minute-ish transfer is Tommy Alexander returning to Indian Gymkhana, who he was playing for last season. Helping HWHC 2's to a dominant first place in the London Premier League and playing for the 1st team in the cup rounds, Tommy is obviously itching to take over as a first choice and push to stake his claim for a spot for the long term, as one of the more ambitious high level goalies knocking around the national league. Tommy helped the Gym to a good finish last season after joining midway from Surbiton, where he was second choice behind the now-emergent David Kettle. Indian Gymkhana are second place behind Bath right now, and with Cardiff dropping off from the pack, a good run of form could really make things happen. So not only can Tommy regain a national league spot, but also have the chance to help them to promotion, killing two birds in one stone as they say, by aiding his ambition to play in the Premier league and pushing the Middlesex side up the divisions potentially (if all goes to plan!).

Dudley off to Cheltenham

For some reason I managed to spot this (doh!), but looks like Dudley is off to Cheltenham...

So with Ible going in as a first choice at Cardiff, Ben is off to a side a little further south (both literally and metaphorically!). With Cheltenham struggling and wanting to stay away from the drop and relegation playoffs, this gives them further options in goal. Giles Rooke will potentially be winding down his career as Dudley's winds upwards. And with Cardiff looking to make a push in Europe with the EHL competition they qualify for, for Wales, Ible gives them some assurance between the posts. Ben is also known for his coaching ability, so will be interesting to see if he takes this with him to his new side. An interesting move regardless, begs questions over who made the catalyst move behind the curtain...

http://englandhockey.co.uk/fl/ehl/playermovement_m.asp?l=1

Lee Ible to Cardiff & Met

The only real goalkeeping transfer in the January window seems to be Lee Ible who has made the move from Liverpool Uni to Cardiff. With Cardiff pushing for promotion again after their success winning the West conference last season, it looks like they're looking to sure up their back line. Ible, who has caps for Wales and experience playing in the Premier league division for Brooklands MU, will provide Cardiff with a lot of experience going forward. Cardiff currently sit four points behind league leaders Bath, so they'll be making additions to try and repeat their success last season, but also to get one step further, if the opportunity presents itself. Ible has recently taken a step down from national league to focus on working on his coaching CV but with this transfer obviously seems interested in getting back in the thick of things. 

Hancocks makes switch to Isca

It took me a while and a bit of investigative work to work out Rich Hancocks has made the switch to Isca, but still kind of new on the transfer front. With Isca only just winning promotion back to the national league, and their goalkeeping perhaps in need of bolstering, it's a good move by both parties. Having played previously at Plymouth Marjon, the South African (joining fellow compatriot Chris Hibbert as the only other male national league South African goalkeeper in England) goalkeeper has experience and the maturity to help tighten things up at the back and help push Isca out of the relegation spot.

http://www.rskg.co.uk/p210835355/h14c462f8#h14c462f8

http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/fl/ehl/current_teams_reg_players.asp?t=296&l=3342&section=

Kit wise he seems to be using the new Mercian chest pad design (otherwise he's modded a chest pad with the same shoulder padding!) and has switched from TK 1 pads to Brabo (with the TK design having been phased out). So I think that makes him the only English national league goalkeeper to be wearing Brabo pads right now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEwlFjq0daY

Bahia switches to Richmond

Very late on this one, but looks like Indian Gym's Bahia has made the move to Richmond (not far down the road travel wise I guess!). Given the move of Richmond's second choice to Reading, and Richmond picking up Jamie Legg from the Berkshire side, Richmond needed to bring in cover or bump up one of their club goalkeepers to assist with their first eleven. Not exactly groundbreaking coverage, but all the same shows the moves between teams at national league level, much like you'd get in football or ice hockey transfers with more career back-up guys around for support. 

You can see him in action for his new team here (can't seem to merge the Youtube link), where he seems to play a very "old school" stance and approach which is a little odd for this level at the Prem league of the London divisions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AKfUw51w8c

http://www.englandhockey.co.uk//fl/ehl/current_teams_reg_players.asp?t=563&l=1&section=

Spain's Garcia Gascon playing for Daring

Pol Garcia-Gascon is an overseas player currently playing for Royal Daring Hockey Club in the Belgian elite league. The Spanish star, formerly of Athletic Terrassa, is potentially the only overseas goalkeeper in the league, although Kyle Pontifex has played in Belgium previous. It's his second season in the league (I think!), having played for them last season. He brings an extra dimension to the game with his style, offering a more difficult goalkeeper to read and beat than what his Belgian opponents are potentially normally used to.

http://www.hockeybelgium.be/vincent-vanasch-defendra-les-buts-de-lequipe-all-star/

http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Daring_Hockey_Club

You can see him in action below (in the blue jersey and Brabo pads and white helmet):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F82s3medZE

Toby Walker re-signs with Exeter university

Not much going on transfer wise for goalies in the English national league right now, but Exeter have resigned Toby Walker. A product of Sevenoaks' juniors, having played in some cup games for the side when they were in the East conference of the national league, he was registered with the university men's side in 2011 and with Chris Rea and Andrew Miller having moved on, gives the team some goalkeeping options and depth behind youngster Todd Dudley. This will be useful for rotation for BUCS games as well as having that option in the slight case of injury etc.

http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/fl/ehl/playermovement_m.asp?l=1