Thursday, February 13, 2025

Nick Bandurak sacked as Holcombe women’s coach

A week after he departed Holcombe men, Nick Bandurak has exited “effective immediately” as women’s coach, the club stated on Monday.

It came on a day with a silver lining when, a few hours later, Bandurak was signed by Kalinga Lancers in the Hockey India League for 5 lakh (£4,500) as the 2017 champions sealed their 24-strong team.

Holcombe said on Monday that the club’s sponsor Faithdean, owned by president David South, “has agreed to financially honour the remainder of his contract until it expires or Nick takes a new post elsewhere.”

It follows a reported rift with men’s head coach and director of hockey Kwan Browne, who joined Holcombe on a seven-year deal before the season.

Bandurak led Holcombe women to promotion back into the Premier Division in their 2023/24 campaign and took the team to the England Hockey Tier One Championship Cup final.

“He has established himself as a top-quality coach, overseeing the progression of junior players into the England National Age Group squads, among his other achievements,” the club stated.

Holcombe said that Bandurak had requested a one-year contract for his role as head coach of the Women’s 1s. “However, the decision has now been made to relieve Nick of his duties in the Club’s best interests,” the club added.

“Holcombe Hockey Club remains committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment for all players and staff. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Nick for his contributions and dedication during his time with the Club and wish him every success in his future endeavours.”

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