Saturday, February 8, 2025

Phil Roper to make Commonwealth Games debut

Wimbledon forward  Phil Roper, who missed out on World Cup selection, has been included in England’s 16-player hockey squad for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Missing out from the 18-man World Cup squad are forward Tom Carson, defender Dan Shingles and reserve goalkeeper James Bailey.

Barry Middleton, the most capped Great Britain and England men’s player of all time, leads an England side looking to improve on their previous two fourth place finishes in Delhi [2010] and Melbourne [2006].

Beeston’s Tim Whiteman who is recovering well from a broken thumb which he suffered at the World Cup earlier this month has been included and  it is hoped he will return to the squad and compete pre-Games.

Roper, with 21 caps to his name is the least experienced athlete in the squad, but he impressed coach Bobby Crutchley in two recent Four Nations tournaments, including the one played at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre back in April.

There are nine Commonwealth Games debutants named in the squad, but with the likes of George Pinner, Iain Lewers, Dan Fox and Mark Gleghorne included in that number England certainly have some good experience to call upon.

Middleton, playing in his third Commonwealth Games said: “I’m really excited for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and it’s nice to have another major tournament so close to home. Multi-sport events have a different feel to a normal hockey event and there’s always a great atmosphere. I’m proud to be part of Team England and we are aiming to be one of the success stories of the games.”

1 George Pinner 18/1/1987 Beeston Goalkeeper 54 4 Debut
2 Iain Lewers 05/01/1984 Holcombe Defender 48 37 4 1 Debut
3 Dan Fox 03/03/1983 Holcombe Defender 75 28 2 1 Debut
4 Tim Whiteman 02/04/1987 Beeston Midfield/Defender 22 2 1 Debut
5 Barry Middleton 12/01/1984 Holcombe Midfield/Forward 211 105 52 35 2
6 Henry Weir 13/02/1990 Wimbledon Midfield 47 2 1 Debut
7 Ashley Jackson 27/08/1987 East Grinstead Midfield/Forward 102 71 58 33 1
8 Simon Mantell 24/04/1984 Reading Forward 127 53 41 10 2
9 Harry Martin 23/10/1992 Beeston Midfield 56 34 5 3 1
10 Nick Catlin 08/04/1989 Holcombe Midfield/Forward 96 31 6 5 1
11 Alastair Brogdon 10/11/1987 Wimbledon Forward 83 8 8 1
12 Michael Hoare 14/11/1985 Wimbledon Defender 52 2 1 Debut
13 David Condon 06/07/1991 East Grinstead Midfield 47 2 4 Debut
15 Phil Roper 24/01/1992 Wimbledon Forward 19 2 3 1 Debut
14 Mark Gleghorne 19/05/85 East Grinstead Forward 39 10 9 2 Debut
16 Adam Dixon 11/09/1986 Beeston Defender/Midfield 102 29 7 1

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