Zak Jones has the “proven qualities” to take GB and England men to the next stage after being unveiled as full-time coach on Wednesday.
The news was an unsurprising one, with the Welshman having been an established assistant coach under Paul Revington before taking England to the top of the Pro League standings on an interim basis.
Jones said: “It has been a real privilege working with the squad and getting to know them as people over the past four and a half years. As a result, I am acutely aware of both the talent and quality of person we possess within the group but also the immense drive and ambition there is to succeed.
“We will continue to build on all the great work that has gone before – developing a winning team that makes the most of our outstanding strengths and talents. Our aim is to play a dynamic and exciting brand of hockey that inspires young people to fall in love with the game. In addition, we will aspire to be a team that everyone enjoys watching play and one that the country can be proud of both on and off the pitch.”
Jones, a former coach with Buckingham women, joined England and GB Hockey in 2020 as assistant coach for the men’s team having previously led the Welsh men’s team through a hugely successful period. He led Wales to retain their topflight EuroHockey Championship status for the first time in two decades as they finished sixth, their joint-highest placing at the tournament.
England Hockey CEO Nick Pink said: “The men’s squad have a huge amount of potential and we have seen huge progress in the last five years.
“Zak has been an integral part of the coaching set-up since joining us, and he has proven he has the qualities needed to take the team to the next level. We are excited to see where Zak will lead us, and we wish him all the very best.”
