England Hockey

Sport England have commissioned an independent review into hockey in the country to help with a restructuring plan for the future.

A number of issues were raised following a disappointing Olympic campaign by Great Britain, which saw the women fail to qualify and the men finish ninth.

George Cox, the former director general of the Institute of Directors, will chair the review which will also involve UK Sport and the English Institute of Sport and consult widely with the home nation Sports Councils, their governing bodies and the British Olympic Association.

Sports minister Richard Caborn said: "This is a welcome announcement from Sport England and a big step forward for the future of England Hockey.

"It is vitally important that sports governing bodies are fit for purpose and this review will ensure the right decisions are made to deliver success in hockey from grassroots to the elite level."

The sport was set to undergo a big change anyway as World Class Hockey, the international branch which was separated off from the domestic scene when the old English Hockey Association was wound up after huge debts, is due to be reintegrated into England Hockey - the new company governing the game.

There is also an ongoing debate about the future of the Great Britain set-up with a proposal currently under discussion for the home nations to compete on their own at the biennial European championships and GB to operate on a four-year cycle in the Olympics, World Cup and other major tournaments.

Philip Kimberley, executive chairman of England Hockey, said: "Over the past 18 months the new board of England Hockey have led the governing body through a process of steady revival of which we are proud.

"We are also absolutely determined to see a positive resolution of the complex Great Britain issue and so welcome Sport England's support in setting up this independent review."

The first meeting of the review group will take place this month and will report back early next year.

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