Kwan Browne says the “sleeping giant” that is Southgate HC can return to the men’s Premier Division after the Trinidadian left Hampstead & Westminster to join as head coach for the 2022/2023 season.
Browne returns to Southgate, a club he played for in 1997/1998, after seven years with Hampstead & Westminster, which included the 2019 league championship, while he will also continue to work as GB men’s assistant coach.
Browne said: “It’s a great opportunity to join Southgate, a sleeping giant in club hockey, they are looking to take the next step and I look forward to help taking them to the next level.”
“I had a great time with Hampstead & Westminster, really enjoyed it and wouldn’t change anything at all. It just came to a point where after six years in charge, it felt like the right time for some change and I was fortunate enough that Southgate was looking for a new head coach and to take the next step.
He saw the coaching switch as a “no brainer” and said that Southgate “probably has the best facilities in England.”
He added: “It is a club I could see myself being part of, it’s a great opportunity to be part of a club looking to take the next step, helping to take it to the next level and there’s a great infrastructure in place to do that.
I think the club has fantastic facilities in a great location with great people behind the scenes. Given this I would love to see the club, and this won’t be easy – it won’t come without real effort – but I want to see the club back in the Premier Division of English Hockey back into the top flight.
“I do get this is very difficult, but it can be done, taking it step by step but with a clear eye on promotion. I think the club is ready to take things to the next level.”
The 44-year-old is also expected to keep playing next season. “I would love to be playing national league again. I thoroughly enjoy playing so long as my body can survive the rigours,” he said.
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