City of Peterborough Ladies will have international class in their corner as they return to Premier League hockey
City of Peterborough Ladies will have international experience in their corner as they return to East Premier Division hockey on Saturday.
Gareth Andrew, who has represented England at many levels, will coach a team who start their season with a trip to Chelmsford. The Essex-based club finished mid-table last season while City were running away with the Division One title.
Andrew, who still plays for the City men’s National League side, replaces Paul Hillsdon who has stepped down because of work commitments. Jos Walker will continue as assistant coach.
City have been boosted by the return of former stars Tierney Carlton (nee Augustine), Jodie Abrahams and Naomi Smith. Smith has been playing at a higher level with Beeston. Mia Dewing has also joined the squad from Loughborough University.
City Ladies will be running five senior sides and a development team in the East Leagues this season. The men will have eight competing teams. The competitive season for all teams starts on Saturday.
City men start their National Midlands Conference season on September 20. Club stalwart Ben Newman has taken over from Matt Porter as captain. Porter has stepped down because of increased personal and work commitments.
Matt Goodley is the new vice captain with Andrew acting as player-coach
The first-team squad has been boosted by the return of Nathan Rozario from Beeston and of Ben Goold who has been playing for the University of Nottingham. Josh Baker has moved to Bretton Gate from Long Sutton.