Alyson Annan, who left as Netherlands’ women’s coach four months ago, was confirmed as a surprise new coach of China on Tuesday.
Annan, one of world hockey’s most successful coaches, met up with the China squad three days ago and is set to be a part of their World Cup campaign.
Chen Dekang was marked as head coach on Tuesday, while Annan undertook pre-match media duties ahead of their Pro League match with Argentina in Valencia.
Annan, a Hockey Paper columnist, quit as the world-leading Oranje coach in January over a “difference of opinion” regarding the Dutch women’s programme “to improve cooperation and group culture in the team”.
Annan’s former assistant Albert-Kees Manenschijn is also set to join the China set up, as is penalty corner expert and former Dutch great Taeke Taekema.
China women are due to play the Netherlands in Rotterdam on June 21.
They will also play against England, Spain, Belgium and the USA ahead of the women’s World Cup.
