Chelmsford Hockey Club's men's first team squad embark on their new season in English Hockey League Division One this weekend with some new faces and some personnel missing from last season.

The most significant change is in the coaching department where Dave Passmore has been forced to step down as squad coach.

After three uccessful seasons at Chelmer Park, where he has seen the squad emerge from the doldrums of the East League to become one of the top 20 clubs in the country, Passmore is now working full-time in his role as an EHA Regional Coach, based at East Grinstead.

Passmore's replacement is South African international player, Craig Fulton, who will be attempting to fulfill the demanding role of player/coach this season.

While the coach has changed, there is some stability and continuity within the management team, with David Kitchiner now entering his fifth season as manager and Andrew Kennedy about to start his second as captain.

There have been several departures over the summer with goalkeeper Patrick Aldridge's decision to play for his 'Blue' at Cambridge University the most significant .

In addition, Craig Carolan (Hampstead & Westminster) and Shuhel Malique (Old Loughtonians) have transferred for personal reasons and last season's top scorer, Justin King, is unable to return for his third season due to South Africa's Olympic preparations.

Of the younger players, Jonathan Wilcox (Loughborough Students) and Jonty Clarke (Reading) have both moved away to university, while, at the other end of the age spectrum, long-serving squad members Adrian Smith and Keith Wiggins have decided to retire.

As always, the departures have been offset by some fresh faces arriving at Chelmer Park.

Goalkeeper Dan Tilley (High Wycombe) provides cover for the departed Aldridge while England U21 Simon Gittins (Loughborough) will be a valuable asset either in defence or attack.

Gittins is joined by former Loughborough teammate Will Rogers, although a long-term injury is likely to keep him out of the squad for the start of the season.

Ryan D'Souza, a young midfielder from St Albans, is studying at Essex University while Joe Willard (Lewes) has moved to the Chelmsford area. They are joined by David Hatton, from Brentwood.

Chelmsford's pre-season build-up started a few weeks ago with a successful weekend at the Surbiton Tournament.

Over two days, against eight teams who all finished in higher placings in the Premier Division and Division One, Chelmsford finished fourth with victories over Teddington (3-1), Brooklands (5-1), East Grinstead (7-3) and just the one defeat, to the host club (4-3).

Chelmsford's preparations were completed last weekend when they beat Cambridge University 3-1.

l This Sunday (October 3) Chelmsford open their league campaign at home to Loughborough Students (1 pm start at Chelmer Park).

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