With the impending announcement of the new-look Centralised Training programme for Great Britain Hockey drawing ever-nearer, talismanic defender Dan Fox has stepped down from the international scene.

That goal at the 2012 Olympic Games was his only strike for GB to accompany the two he scored for England throughout his tenure. In addition, Fox’s performances helped to earn a Champions Trophy Silver in 2010, a World League Silver in 2010 and a Commonwealth Games Bronze medal.

Speaking to Great Britain Hockey, Fox said; “Playing hockey for England and Great Britain has been a lifelong dream come true. My proudest moment was representing Great Britain at the London Olympic Games and scoring in the first game against Argentina; I’ll never forget the atmosphere.”

Amassing over 100 caps for England and a further 63 for Great Britain, the Holcombe HC man has enjoyed a fantastic international career that included representation at just short of 20 major tournaments. Captaining his country a number of times in recent years in the absence of fellow Holcombe midfielder Barry Middleton, Fox looks back on his seven year international career with pride.

Looking ahead to the future, Fox is excited at the prospect of continuing to play domestically whilst balancing a new role as he returns to the educational sector.

Renowned globally for his fearless running down of penalty corners, Fox’s sense of humour and leadership qualities proved him an invaluable member of the Great Britain side. GB Head Coach Bobby Crutchley paid tribute to his double Olympian; “He was great for us on the field but his ability to unify any group and his leadership qualities were right up there. He brought a lot to the party as a player, as a leader and as someone the rest of the squad wanted to be around off the field. In team sports, those qualities are so important and Dan has them in abundance.”

“I look forward to continuing my playing career at Holcombe Hockey Club, to an exciting new role as Director of Hockey at Charterhouse School, to coaching Guildford Hockey Club and working with England Hockey to help develop this wonderful sport.”

 

Image credit: England Hockey

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