Harleston Magpies Hockey Club are celebrating the return of England Hockey international Tim Whiteman to the coaching set-up for the 2017/18 season as player and coach of the men's first team.
Whiteman is returning to the club where he started his hockey career aged just six, and where he made his debut for the men's first team at 16.
Since leaving Magpies for Nottingham Trent University, after two years in the first team and an indoor national title, Whiteman went on to play Premier League hockey for Beeston Hockey Club.
His 10 successful years there included securing three national titles and the England Hockey League Cup. As well as a hugely successful club career, Whiteman has 54 caps for England and Great Britain, playing in five major international tournaments. Whiteman will be bringing his wealth of experience of playing at the very highest level of the sport back to Magpies help push forward the men's side of the club.
He said: 'It's a huge honour to be asked to lead the men's first team. I can't wait to return to such a fantastic club and work with talented, dedicated players and coaches.
'My vision is to create a fun environment with attacking, high tempo hockey whilst at the same time developing individuals and the team as a whole.'
Whiteman will be supported in the coaching set-up by first team player and captain Leigh Sitch. A first team player for the last 14 years, including three spells in the national league, Sitch also has five years of experience as head coach for England Hockey's regional tier.
Sitch welcomed Whiteman back to the club: 'It's great to welcome Tim back, as a coach and player who can offer expertise on and off the pitch.
'Tim will be an excellent role model to all members of the club, and importantly inspire our younger members in our growing youth section.
'I am sure that with Tim's guidance the men's first team will play attacking hockey that is exciting to both play and watch.'
If you are keen to get involved with Harleston Magpies and the men's first team please don't hesitate to contact Tim Whiteman direct on tjfwhiteman@gmail.com
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