Praise as Scottish coach departs

Shepherd moves on

Kelburne Hockey Club’s Gordon Shepherd has stepped down as head coach of the Scotland Senior Women’s Hockey Team.

Shepherd’s tenure comes to an immediate end, with Scottish Hockey praising his “passion, professionalism and commitment”, since his appointment in 2010.

Shepherd led Scotland women to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010, finishing in seventh place; Glasgow in 2014, finishing sixth and most recently in Gold Coast in 2018 where Scotland finished seventh.

He admits his decision comes with a heavy heart as he focuses his attention on club hockey, having taken the reins at Kelburne two years ago.

Shepherd said: “It has been an honour to coach the senior women’s team over the last eight years, and I would like to thank all the management team that have worked so hard alongside me in that time, and of course the players past and present.

“I wish all concerned with the Senior Women’s team success in the future.”

During Shepherd’s tenure, Scotland women also won gold in EuroHockey Championship II in Poland in 2011, resulting in promotion to the top division of European international hockey.

Scotland women then retained their status amongst Europe’s elite until 2017, where they were relegated to EuroHockey Championship II.

Shepherd also led Scotland to the bronze medal at the 2011 FiH Champions Challenge in Dublin.

Scottish Hockey’s head of performance Andy Tennant has hailed Shepherd’s tenure in charge and wished him all the best.

He added: “On behalf of Scottish Hockey, and all those involved in the women’s programme, I would like to thank Shep for the passion and dedication he has brought to the role in his eight years in charge.

“His record speaks for itself, having led the team through three Commonwealth Games, four European Championships and two World League campaigns – and we would like to take this opportunity to wish him every success in the future.”

Scottish Hockey will make an announcement in the near future on arrangements for an interim coaching team and the recruitment process for a new head coach for the Scotland women’s national team.

We wish Shep every success in the future Andy Tennant