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Senior Men’s Euro Nations Trophy squad

23rd August 2007
Wales Euro Squad announced

The Wales team is now selected and is entering it’s final phase in the run up to the EuroHockey Trophy in Lisbon from Sept 9th to 16th.

The squad does not contain too many surprises although Hampstead’s Josh Smith has done incredibly well to recover from the broken foot he sustained in the Setanta Sports Trophy in Dublin early in June. Smiths return means heartbreak for young Ben Edge who has been an ever present in the squad since the start of the programme and the Great Britain Super League. Edgies time will surely come however.

Goalkeeper Matt Simkin has won the no. 2 shirt but was pushed very hard by Lee Ible who pipped Simkin to the back up keeper spot for last years Celtic Cup.

18 year old Huw Stevens from Canterbury is perhaps the nearest thing to a surprise although since joining the squad following his A Level exams he has impressed and earned his place with some strong performances.

The squad will be captained once more by Reading’s Rhys Joyce although he will undoubtedly look to senior pro’s like Zak Jones and keeper George Harris for support and in Harris’ case inspiration, for the big keeper from East Grinstead is a talisman and when he plays well, Wales tend to do likewise.

The squad has had a well designed preparation programme starting with the Super League and the Setanta Sports Trophy through the Celtic Cup and trips to the Czech Republic (2 wins) and Belgium where a 4:0 loss has been put into perspective by the Belgians showing in the tournament currently being played in Manchester. A draw with a competitive England ‘A’ side at Wrexham provided another opportunity for the side to develop. All of the matches played this year have been against opposition higher in the world rankings so the record of P12, W7, D1 and L4 bodes well for the Europeans.

The extended squad have enjoyed perhaps the best support that they have ever had. Physiologist and Conditioning Coach Julian Owen has made sure that the squad is in the best shape possible, and lead physiotherapist Zoe Grant together with Massage therapist Clare Whittington will be making sure that the guys make it through the incredibly tough schedule at the Europeans. Goalkeeper Coach Grahame Grace will also assist with match analysis whilst Assistant Coach Brian Hibbert will be providing insight into group and potential cross over opposition.

The side is off to Lisbon to play the Portuguese this weekend in a two test dress rehearsal. Manager Chris Marriott is clear on the importance of this trip.

“It’s vital that they guys get to play on the pitch that they will play the tournament on. We can also get a good look at the stadium and hotel and make sure that we don’t have too many surprises when we get to the event proper. We have a full squad making the trip and are just looking to polish up our game a little.”

The following weekend sees the squad at reading for a match against the English Champion Club (who are also coached by Mike Williamson) and a reception for team and individual sponsors and corporate supporters.

Click here for the full squad list

Click here to visit the Tournament website

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