A GB great has signed up as Scottish Hockey’s junior men’s coach. 

Russell Garcia, who played for GB in three Olympic Games, including winning gold in Seoul 1988, will start his new role in October.

Garcia, who currently plays and coaches for Grossflottbeck in Hamburg, Germany, said: “I see this position as a fantastic opportunity. Even before retiring from international competition I set myself a long term objective of becoming a successful international hockey coach.  I know I can be a positive role model and successful team leader for Scotland’s U21 men.”

Garcia picks up where fellow GB superstar Brett Garrard left off, showcasing Scotland as a solid programme attracting high profile coaches.  Scottish Hockey Performance Manager Callum McLeod said: “Russell has a wealth of experience, as a player and coach, coaching mainly abroad.  It’s great that someone of his calibre has been attracted to take up a full time national position.”

Scotland’s U21 squad will continue to be star struck under Garcia’s leadership as he holds a gold medal, is the highest combined capped player for GB and England totalling 307 and the second highest capped England player, behind Garrard, with 168 caps.

Garcia concluded: “In my coaching past, I have been lucky enough to develop motivated athletes to becoming Olympic and World Cup medal winners, I have a great deal to offer.” Scottish Hockey is glad to hear it.