Loughborough Students men’s hockey coaches David Ralph and Jon Bleby have been appointed by England Hockey as assistant coaches to work with the England and Great Britain men’s and women’s squads.

They will be joined byCraig Keegan and Karen Brown to complete the assistant coach team.

Together they will support head coaches Jason Lee (women) and Bobby Crutchley (men) for the 2013-2016 Olympic cycle.

David and Jon will be joining fellow Loughborough alumni members Danny Kerry (Performance Director) and Jason Lee at England Hockey, in leading and supporting the national performance squads on the Road to Rio.

Andy Borrie, Deputy Director of Sport at Loughborough University, said:

“I am delighted that England Hockey has appointed David and Jon as part of their new coaching set up.

“Not only have both been great servants to hockey at Loughborough, but their appointments also illustrate how we have one of the best coach development environments in the country.

“We will reflect and take stock before appointing a new coaching team, but with the heritage and strength of our hockey programmes we will want to ensure that Loughborough continues to be the pipeline for coaches and players wanting to compete at the highest levels of the game.”

David Ralph is a former Scottish international who notched up 126 appearances for his country. He has been the head coach at Loughborough Students Men’s Hockey since 2003, where he led his team to national indoor success four times and has maintained their status in the men’s hockey league premier division.

Speaking of his appointment, David Ralph said:

“I am delighted and honoured to be joining the coaching team and I am looking forward to working with the players. I know we face some tough challenges ahead but I relish the opportunity I have been given to play my part in the team.

“I would also like to thank Loughborough University for the support they have shown me over the years.”

Jon Bleby is an Olympian who received 91 caps for England and Great Britain. After retiring from playing international hockey in 2008 Jon started out as an assistant coach to both Loughborough Students and the England Under 18 boys National Age Group Squad.

Jon Bleby said:

“I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be taking up the position of assistant coach and cannot wait to work with the new coaching team and players. There are many exciting challenges ahead and I am really looking forward to giving the role my very best efforts."

The assistant coaches will start their new roles with England Hockey when the international squads return to training in April.

−ENDS−