Paul Livesey worked alongside Luke Stone last season with the team in the Investec East Conference and has now been offered the head coach role with Luke stepping away from the club.

Despite the disappointment of the team’s relegation back to the East Prem, the club was very keen to retain Paul’s services. Speaking about the appointment, Ladies Club Captain Kate Costin said “We are delighted that Paul has accepted this role. Although the end result wasn't what we had hoped for last season in the national league, Paul developed a great relationship with the team and that continuity will be key in helping us to get a good start in September. The players all respect Paul’s great knowledge of the game and his professional manner and rapport with us all, creates a great environment and platform for the team to perform.”

As well as becoming a Level 2 coach, Paul has enjoyed some recent playing success of his own as part of the triumphant East Masters squad that won the regional tournament before helping the England o40’s team to victory in the home nation’s tournament. He has also been selected to be part of the squad again for this summer’s Euro Nations masters to be held at Oaklands College.

Livesey is excited for the new season “It is the clubs aim to sustain National League hockey at Bedford and I hope that we can use the great experiences we all enjoyed last year to our benefit this campaign. The squad is strong and committed and I feel with the right additions over the summer, we can be in a strong position challenge for promotion in what we know will be a hugely competitive league”

Any players who are looking for a new challenge or are moving to the Bedford area, please contact Kate Costin on 07513 025712 or katecostin@btinternet.com

Photo Credit - Graham Hodges