Holcombe Hockey Club have announced the arrival of Brad Read to their Men’s 1s squad following David Ames’ contract extension and Alex Pendle’s arrival.

Read, a New Zealand international, returns to the club following a previous spell at Holcombe.

On signing, Read said: “I’m super excited to be returning to Holcombe Park for the upcoming season. I’m really looking forward to getting back with the group very soon and to be back at such a great club.”

Head coach Barry Middleton commented: “Brad is an experienced international with good technical ability and a smart hockey brain. He knows a lot of the players from his time with us a couple of years ago and is a great person to have in the team.”

Brad is also joining Holcombe as an assistant to Nick Bandurak for the Women’s firsts.

Bandurak: “It’s great have Brad on board for such an exciting season with the Women’s 1s. Alongside his playing pedigree, Brad is a top coach and a top bloke and I’m looking forward to him taking ownership of our defensive prowess.”

The team kick off their season with a home fixture against Reading (16th September, 6pm) at Holcombe Park before trips to Southgate (23rd September, 7pm) and Surbiton (30th September, 6pm) before they head to Barcelona to compete in the Euro Hockey League KO16, where they will take on Racing Club de France on 6th October.

Image courtesy of Theresa Waight