GLENN KIRKHAM believes Chelmsford Hockey Club can be back where they belong in the next few years.
The former England captain has joined the club as director of coaching – a role he will combine with playing for East Grinstead in the England Hockey League Premier Division.
The new role will see him work closely with the head coaches of both the women's and men's teams, David Messham and Dillet Gilkes, reviewing video footage and working on tactics in a weekly session.
And Kirkham believes the new structure, put in place by chairman of the playing committee Owen Thom, should help the club's first teams as they strive to compete in the top flight of the national leagues.
He said: "The aim is for the club to become a consistent national league side.
"It is only six or seven years ago that the men were competing in the national league, but there has been a huge change of players and the club is now competing in the East Premier Division.
"The first aim is to try and get them challenging to get up to the national conference, because they were mid-table last year."
And Kirkham believes the ladies can also push for the top flight under their new coach, with the double Olympian already aware of the team through his wife Marie, who is a current member of the squad.
He said: "The ladies have traditionally been one of the strongest clubs in England, but they flirted with relegation last season.
"But with David Messham the aim is to try and help them go for promotion, which I believe is achievable."
One other thing that Kirkham is keen to drive is a local ethos throughout the club, adding that he will look to help improve the coaching for all senior and junior teams in his work with all coaches at the club.
He said: "There are great facilities at the club and there is the potential there, and I am looking forward to getting involved and helping the club progress."
Kirkham's role will officially start on August 1.
