Tamworth Men's First Team set sights on a bright future after title joy
Posted by Nobody on 10 April 2012
TAMWORTH Hockey Club's men's first team skipper Ian Wagstaff believes his side can use promotion to the West Midlands Premier as a springboard to greater things.
He also believes Tamworth can use this summer's Olympic Games to generate more interest in hockey and add to the feel-good factor around the club.
Wagstaff and team-mates clinched the West Midlands One title with a 4-1 victory over Leamington on Saturday.
It secured them the title by three points from Redditch, with Market Drayton a further point behind.
Wagstaff, in his first season as captain, said: "We are delighted with how things have gone this year.
"I don't think we thought we would do it at the start of the season.
"We finished in the top three last year and felt we would be there or thereabouts.
"We had the core of the squad in place but added a couple of players in Tom Hancox and Ryan Brisco and that has made the difference.
"To come away with the title is fantastic.
"It's a tough league and everyone is capable of beating each other so we see it as a real achievement.
"It's a fantastic effort from all the lads who played for the first team.
"When players have been unavailable because of injury or other commitments, other lads have come to the fore."
Now Wagstaff wants the side to kick on as they prepare for a season in the West Midlands Premier Division next year.
"It would be nice to set a plan and in five years' time be challenging in and around the national leagues, both in the ladies and men's set-up.
"Teams like Lichfield have done it so there's no reason why we can't emulate them.
"We are a good club, able to field four men's teams and three ladies' sides week in, week out.
"And we have some good young players coming through at the club as well.
"With it being Olympic year as well, interest in hockey and other sports is likely to rise and I am sure that we'll be looking to use that to attract a few more people into the sport."
For details on how to get involved at Tamworth Hockey Club, email info@tamworthhockeyclub.org.uk or call 01827 63428.
