Slough/Surbiton Merger

by Mike Haymonds (4.9.2009)

With the new EHL National League season just two weeks away Slough Hockey Club faces the immediate prospect of dramatic change.

Following extensive discussions between the two clubs during August it is proposed that Slough Ladies 1st team will cease to be a part of Slough HC and will form a new club ‘Slough Ladies’, existing as a single team, within a partnership with Surbiton Hockey Club.

The move was approved in principle at last week’s Slough HC AGM and will be the topic for an Extraordinary General Meeting of the club next Tuesday (8th).

An EGM of Surbiton HC will debate the proposal next Saturday (12th).

Slough Ladies 2nd team will remain within the Slough club and continue to play its games in the Trysports Three Counties League.

The need for change in Slough’s EHL team has been accelerated by two factors in recent months – the promotion of Reading to the Premier League for the coming season, presenting a local rival to Slough in attracting top players, and Slough’s continuing lack of a regular top-quality coach.

Also, Slough could well have a weakened first team squad, in quality and numbers, this season and the merger with a much bigger, professionally-run club such as Surbiton will strengthen their position as there will be player movement and eligibility between the two clubs.

For Surbiton, whose ladies first team are in the top division of the South League, the proposed merger will give them a National Premier League place ahead of schedule, allow them to attract the best players and give their junior members a greater development incentive.

Subject to the merger being approved at both clubs’ EGMs, the merged national league team will be incorporated in Surbiton’s coaching programme, headed by their Director of Hockey, the former GB and England international Brett Garrard.

For the next two seasons the merged team will be registered as ‘SloughSurbiton’ after which it will be called ‘Surbiton.’

For the same period half the home league and cup games will be played at Surbiton and half at Slough with the team wearing Surbiton or Slough colours at the respective venues.

copy for Slough Express 4.9.2009