| SWEET
EMES ARE MADE OF THIS
16.8.04
With just a couple of weeks to
go before the new season, harpendenhockeyclub.co.uk spoke to first
team skipper Mike Emes for a run-down of how pre-season is shaping
up...
Hey Mike, how are you?
Good thanks, ready to crack on with a new season and try to convert
the talent and hard work in the ones into league points. Last
season was disappointing to say the least, but we'll be looking
for a decent pre-season and a solid start to league, and giving
it our all to get back in Division 1.
What is the pre-season schedule?
The 1st XI have a packed pre season schedule. Training games start
from the 4th September 2004, with the league starting in earnest
on 25th. We have up to 6 friendlies (some yet to be confirmed)
in the run up to the first league game. This will give plenty
of opportunity to develop our match fitness, try alternative positions
/ formations and generally get ourselves ready for the league.
Check out the fixture list here
Ahah, a tour to Eastbourne huh?
That's right - three teams including us, Eastbourne HC and Reigate
HC. This will be a great way to kick off the 2004/5 season, a
chance to renew old acquaintances, introduce new faces and gel
as a unit.
What's the story with training this season?
Training has been a little tricky to organise this year due to
a last minute pitch availability problem. Final draft at this
stage will be as follows:
- Thursday 2 September 2004 – The Brache, Luton, 7–8pm
- Thursday 9 September 2004 onwards – De Havilland, Hertfordshire
University, Hatfield, 7-9pm
With Gareth Lloyd stepping
down as coach, who will be taking sessions each week?
Over the summer, a number of club members have qualified as Level
1 coaches: Paul Wise, Paul Nash, Russ Timms and myself, and of
course Lloydy is already Level 1. The plan will be to rotate coaching
responsibilities during the season with two people responsible
for sessions each week, one will look after the keepers, the other
will look after the main group.
We have also been speaking with Hilary Rose, GB goalkeeper, to
provide a few special guest coaching appearances, but dates are
yet to be confirmed. So far, Rusty Timms has been in charge of
fitness and has done a good job getting us into shape. As you
will know, I see training as an essential ingredient for a successful
season. Please make every effort to support the coaches, the sessions,
and ultimately your team mates, regardless of which team you play
for.
Who has left on a Bosman over the summer?
Probably not a Bosman but more of a season long loan deal, last
season's Player of the Year Danny Burgess has decided to up sticks
(apologies for the pun) and head off round the world this year.
He is joining his lovely lady in Singapore for the best part of
the hockey season. Skinny D will be a big loss.
Kevin Moxham, ex-club captain, has to decided to join his brother
at St Albans HC. I know it has been a tough decision for him after
spending most of his hockey career at Harpenden. We wish him the
best of luck and hope it all goes well.
After only one season with the super blues, Rich Stock is the
final departure this year. He has moved down to the West Country
to be a tennis coach.
I’d like to thank all of the above for their time and effort
over the last season and hope that they stay in touch.
Any big names to replace these lads for the 04/05 season?
There will be a few new faces this season. David Jeffrey joins
us from WGC this season. He has been a stalwart over the last
few years for Welwyn, captaining their 1s for the last 5 years.
He's going to be a great acquisition and is a ready-made replacement
for Mox.
Although not strictly a new signing, Paul Wise rejoins the playing
fold after a season out through injury. Fingers crossed the Prince
stays injury free because he is a real asset in the midfield engine
room. Ditto Ross Walker, who missed a lot of last year with nigglies
too.
Finally, Todd Baines and Ben Lawrence are welcome returns from
university. Not only are they great additions to the 1s squad,
because they are no longer scheeoowdents, we might get some reasonable
match fees out of them!
Best of luck, Emesy. Here's to a promotion season 2004/5
|
Mike Emes:
Old Red Eyes is Back
Rich Stock:
Left for the tennis gravy train
Dan Burgess:
Singapore slings his hook
|
