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

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!

Will Cowling be on the move again?

With Havant relegated from the national league after this season's events, it wouldn't be out of the question to ponder of what will happen with Ben Cowling who joined to start the season from Canterbury. Most of the major goalkeeper transfers seem already done and dusted, what with Pinner moving to Holcombe, Smith going to EG and Cachia coming in to potentially replace him, there don't seem to be major question marks over other goalkeeping options (except Cannock's!). And given Cowling's experience and desire, I'm sure other clubs will be interested. Nothing on the radar I know about, and this is the other main transfer I'd consider for rumours to start over.