Derek Forsyth has stepped down as head coach of Scotland men after over a decade at the helm and taking the team back to elite tournament hockey amid continued funding battles.
Forsyth first took the role of assistant coach in 2007 until stepping up to the head coach position in 2012. Under Forsyth, Scotland returned to the top tier of European hockey when the Blue Sticks won gold at Men’s EuroHockey Championship II in Glasgow. The victory saw Scotland men finally take to the pitch at the EuroHockey Championships in Antwerp, in 2019, after a 12-year hiatus.
Forsyth said: “Over the years, there have been a number of highs which have left me with great memories, and I will be always be grateful to Scottish Hockey for the opportunity they gave me to lead the Scottish men’s programme.
“I firmly believe the current squad of talented players will bring Scotland more success in the future, supported by the emerging talent from our U21s squad.
Scotland also qualified for the World League Semi-Finals in London, after an excellent qualifying campaign in Glasgow and Belfast. The year ended with Scotland men winning Team of the Year at the Sunday Post Awards as they also entered the world top 20.
He was head coach for three Commonwealth Games. At Gold Coast 2018 Scotland men achieved their highest-ever finish at a Commonwealth Games.
Scottish Hockey CEO Barry Cawte said: “I would like to congratulate Derek on all the fantastic work he has done as Scotland senior men’s head coach, including the return to A Division and pushing the team to a world ranking high.
“Derek is highly regarded and respected by all those that have worked with him and has had a positive influence across Scottish Hockey. Coaches of Derek’s quality are extremely difficult to find and his shoes will be a challenge to fill. He does, however leave in place an exciting team, which has a blend of experience and emerging talent.
“I would like to thank Derek on behalf of Scottish Hockey for his service and dedication.”
He was previously head coach of Scotland U21 men between 1991 to 1998 and 2010 to 2012.
No replacement has been named.
