BOWDON Hockey Club have appointed former England coach Peter Nicholson as their director of hockey.

Peter, who joins Bowdon Hockey Club on July 1, will further strengthen Bowdon's already successful coaching and player development programme.

He will be responsible for developing and supporting coaching policies, player pathways and coaching staff.

This appointment is part of a longer and more strategic development plan to ensure that Bowdon Hockey Club maintains its position as the leading hockey club in the north of England.

This strategy has been developed under the leadership of club chairman Carl Tennant with further developments to be announced soon.

Peter has had an illustrious career with England and Great Britain Hockey. He is a past England indoor captain and coached at all levels with the men’s and ladies’ teams.

Latterly, he took responsibility for the management of the England junior programmes from U16 – U21, including the national performance centres.

Peter left England Hockey in September 2013 and now, after spending some time with his wife Alison and his two sons, Freddy and Max - who are both keen hockey players - joins Bowdon Hockey Club.

Bowdon Hockey chairman Carl Tennant, said: "Peter’s experience of playing, coaching and managing England Hockey will enable him to bring a wealth of skills to Bowdon Hockey Club.

“The coaching, the players, local community, competitions and Elite player development are at the forefront of Bowdon's culture; this appointment will allow the club to maximise on this. It is a very important appointment for the club and we are immensely pleased to be able to attract the services of someone as talented and experienced as Peter."