Musical chairs among international coaches
Musical chairs among international coaches
Ehren joins the Dutch. McLeod returns to Belgian role and Schopman moves to Germany.
Following a major event we’re used to seeing many changes in coaching staff and player rosters.
Let’s take a look at some coaching changes announced…
Ehren appointed to the Dutch women
As announced earlier, following the decision of Raoul Ehren to terminate his ongoing contract with the Belgian federation, the Dutch coach has been announced formally today as the new head coach for the Duch women.
It is an honor to be the national coach of this group. Of your own country. That really made the difference for me. It would be wonderful to win a European Championship, World Championship or Olympic Games as a coach.
For now assistant Tim White (AUS) will continue to manage the Belgian women until Adam Commens appoints a new head coach.
Shane McLeod rejoins Belgium
In Paris he was the assitant coach for Michel van den Heuvel with the Belgian men. Following the Games he has returned to the head coach job for the same team… Well, not exactly the same team of course. Many of the older Belgian players have announced their departure from internaltional hockey. Others were told they would not be called upon again. Meaning McLeod announced a “new” group of some 35 players to rebuild his Red Lions before the World Cup in 2026.
Another new arrival for the Belgian men is South African coach Craig Sieben who will be their new assistant coach alongside McLeod. Sieben was a part of the coaching staff of Team GB during the Paris Games. Meaning GB hockey will be recruiting a new assistant soon as well.
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Germany recruits Janneke Schopman
The DHB announced today their new hire: Janneke Schopman. The Dutch coach was a phenomenal player back in the days and coached both USA and India in the recent past.
She is appointed as the new technical director youth in Germany. A clear signal the Germans mean business developping new hockey talents for the future. And she will also take on a role in the coaching staff for the German women’s team Die Danas. Schopman:
I am very happy to become part of the German Hockey Federation. Germany has a very strong hockey culture and I will do everything I can to contribute to the success of the various programs.
Colin Batch retires
In Australia Colin Batch announced he’ll retire from the Kookaburras role following the Paris Games. The Australian federation has started the search for his replacement. Obvious candidates are of course the Aussie legends such as Rob Hammond, Jay Stacy or Mark Knowles. But no name has been announced yet.
Michael Cosma joins India
English born coach and analyst Michael Cosma has grown up though the coaching system in Belgium. He was the assistant coach for the club of Dragons (men) for many years. Combining this role with video analyst for the Belgian women’s team. But now he’ll start a new adventure across the world as a part of the coaching staff of Craig Fulton for the men of India.