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)

 

Allan goes to Southgate

Transfer rumours aside, one key goalkeeper transfer is Allan Dick joining Southgate, with Pinner moving to Holcombe as one of their big summer signings. In Allan, Southgate have an experienced goalkeeper with international experience that has experience of playing in the Premier division with a season of games whilst at Surbiton. As far as I remember correctly, Allan work sees him coaching juniors as part of junior development in the East of London, so travel wise he'd be a little closer than driving down to Kent for the commute at least!

Ironically it's at a strange time for Allan who is moving away from international hockey; if he looked to postpone his retirement, the move to Southgate would help with his development possibilities and international selection competition. With Hibbert stepping down, there was a big void between the posts being left and Southgate have made an astute signing to bring him in as a replacement. Allan is at a peak age for a goalkeeper and he has a lot of experience to back up his credentials but also to offer a calm and concise mind behind his defence as they look to retain their Premier league season in their first season back in a little while (seemingly yo-yoing between the two!).

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

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.

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

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. 

Vanasch signs with Oranje Zwart

This is one I didn't see coming (although being more involved with the Dutch hockey scene would probably help!), but it's now old news that Vincent Vanasch has signed with Dutch club Oranje Zwart to play in the Hoofdklasse in September. Apparently Mark Jenniskens wants to take a step down from the level of commitments required to play at this standard of competitive hockey, which makes a lot of sense considering the age of a prime time goalkeeper coinciding with professional and career options a deciding point, and considering he has been pushed out of the international set-up by the quality of goalkeeping in Holland's depth charts. With Sam Van der Ven doing well for HGC post-Vogel's retirement, and Pirmin Blaak continuing to improve, there isn't much chance for Jenniskens to break into the squad against this kind of logjam. Another country perhaps, but not Holland right now!

The switch also means Waterloo Ducks will be looking for a new goalkeeper. Vanasch's international competition in Gucasoff and Leroy would be a solid choice, with both of them technically sound and able shot stoppers. Leopold's youngster Henet could be a great option with long term benefit given his age and unquestionable ability. Will have to try and find out who it is that Watdu will choose, but either way, will have a big impact on next season in spite of having such a strong and capable squad, as they push for league winning and Euro Hockey League status.

Link to EHL report

Legg to Richmond

Having heard the rumour on the whispering vine and rumour train, it turns out this one is another reality. Jamie Legg is off to Richmond from Reading, leaving the Berkshire side with Bailey as the incumbent. Without sounding harsh, critically, Legg seemed to have the talent to perform in Brother's abscence when the Exeter alumni goalkeeper was off on international training and other duties, but didn't seem to have that extra spark to take his game as a Premier league starter although he seemed strong at interceptions and on breakways as a standout feature. Not to say he is no good (obviously, just critique, don't take my word for it!), and I think he'll be a good fit as Richmond look to shore up their goalie department and ranks after some unfortunate turnouts against their opposition.

And you can obviously see the transfers as they happen on the England hockey website:

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

Dutch league goalies on the move

With the hockey.nl updating their news feed with league transfers for Holland, it looks like . Amsterdam's back-up Jacob van der Hoeven, who saw action in the Euro Hockey League tournament over Easter etc., is retiring from the game, with youngster Fritz Schnoekel joining from the juniors to replace him. Cortes is leaving Den Bosch after a shaky season that was not representative of his usual self, but there's no indication of where he's off to next, especially in respect of pushing himself to be at his best for the next upcoming Olympic games over the build-up years and the World Cup next year (can't remember if Spain qualified?!). Laren sign SCHC's starter Laurens Goedegebuure (who has played for the Dutch indoor team: linky) to boost their efforts between the sticks. Whilst their back-up Bram Ouendag joins Kampong (as cover for Harte presumably).

Not loads of moves but a start and will be interesting to see how things develop.

Hinch off to Holcombe

Think there's a bit of alliteration there, but in goalie transfer news, Hinch is off to Holcombe, who have just recently got promoted to the women's national league from the East. A bit of a strange move for the England first choice to be critically honest, as she's moving away from Euro Hockey action and Premier division action with her team Leicester after all their successes, if she wants to stay in contention for England (although she's obviously first choice, in the sense of her pushing herself development wise and competing with the best talent around perhaps?!). Leicester will obviously need to look for a decent replacement for the outgoing star.

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway_messenger/sport/International-duo-sign-on-for-1976/