Keir Starley, our new hockey coach is on board. Let’s see what makes him tick….
What are your hockey credentials?
My background in hockey is vast having dedicated most of my life to it! I played England under 16, 18 and 21s winning European gold and bronze. I also captained England Over 35s to gold in home nations!
I played for Canterbury 1s in the premier league for eight seasons winning the league and making playoff finals twice. I went to university on a hockey full scholarship at North London university.
As a goalkeeper I was player coach at Ashford and Folkestone before retiring. I am a goalkeeper coach by trade and worked with Maddie Hinch (Olympic gold medal winning women’s goalie) for two years before I took the role as the Wales senior men goalie coach. We are currently preparing for the Euros and Commonwealth Games.
How did you come to join Marden Russets?
I wanted to take on a club as lead coach having been working at Tunbridge Wells last year. Marden seemed a team with all the ingredients to succeed but maybe lacking coaching leadership.
What’s on your ‘to do’ list?
We’ve built a nice atmosphere and I’ve tackled and challenged the culture of the men’s section. Training is important to me and players who train hard should be rewarded. The first team could have a big season if we are disciplined. Keeping the second team close to the first team without a big gap appearing is something I am conscious of.
What does the future hold for Marden Russets?
Russets is a club that must push on. The set up, the players, the ambition and the junior set up mean we must push on with a plan to be successful. It’s not élitist to suggest that a successful first team, men’s or ladies’, has a positive ripple effect on the entire club. The men have recently beaten Tunbridge Wells handsomely who are two leagues above. That says a lot.
The balance of the club comes from providing training, coaching and opportunity for all. Fairness is key as well as promoting youth where possible. But Russets need to be organised and I believe using ambitious, young, energetic people to help lead the club at the top is key to adding current hockey needs to the experience of the elder club officials who’ve see it all.
Do you have a life outside hockey?
Outside of hockey I am a father of two and married so family life is hectic! Also I’m a big Arsenal fan!
