Jason Lee has swapped his role as head coach of the England men’s hockey team for the women’s and is determined to continue the successes of the squad.
The 42-year-old was appointed head coach of the England men’s team back in 2003 and led Great Britain at three Olympic Games having competed at two as a player himself.
In that time, England have gone from 11th in the world rankings to a current position of fourth – winning European gold for the first time in 2009 and then Champions Trophy silver in 2010.
European bronze followed in 2011 before Britain narrowly missed out on a medal at the London 2012 Olympics as they lost to world champions Australia in the bronze-medal match.
After nearly a decade in the role, England Hockey felt that the men’s programme needed fresh leadership and made the decision not to reappoint Lee for the Olympic cycle to Rio 2016.
However, having applied for the position of head coach of the women’s team following Danny Kerry’s appointment as England Hockey performance director, Lee has been named as the successful candidate.
The British women’s team won bronze at the London 2012 Olympics with Lee due to take up the role once a new head coach for the men’s squad has been confirmed.
And Lee wants to keep the good times coming with the England women winning World Cup, Commonwealth, Champions Trophy and double European bronze and Britain Champions Trophy silver prior to London 2012.
“The new challenge of coaching the women’s team is indeed an exciting one,” said Lee – who won 62 caps for England and 25 for Great Britain as a player.
“They have achieved an exceptionally high standard of commitment and performance and I hope to be able to help them to win more medals, with the World Cup qualification and the EuroHockey Nations Championships this year being the first targets.
“I’ve had a long and emotional time in charge of the men’s team and I leave it with many great memories. I will miss not being in the men’s programme but am confident that they will be successful and wish the team the very best of luck.”
© Sportsbeat 2013