Men's 1st XI Coaching Announcement 2024/25 Season
On behalf of Pembroke Wanderers Hockey Club, I am proud to announce that Kristian Mansfield, the Head Coach of our Men’s 1st XI, has, on the back of guiding the team to promotion back to EY1, extended his contract for a further two years to the end of the 2025/26 season.
Kristian has been instrumental in turning around the Team’s fortunes on the pitch but perhaps more importantly helping to create a positive environment and culture. Results aside, it was great to see a bunch of players in purple playing hard and enjoying it.
I am also very pleased to announce that Alan Sothern is returning to the club, joining the coaching ticket in the role of Player, Assistant Coach of the Men’s 1st X1. Alan, a familiar and fond figure to many of us, rejoins his boyhood club having served UCD as Player, Head Coach in EY1 last year. Despite relegation, UCD were extremely competitive in almost all games last season and this reflects very well on Alan’s coaching ethos and skill.
Alan has also signed a 2-year contract with the club. His playing and coaching experience will be a great addition to Kristian, the wider Squad, his fellow coach Simon Thornton and manager Jack Cherry, who are also continuing in their roles with the Team.
Kristian on extending his contract - “I’m really excited to renew my contract with PWHC, it’s an exciting time to be at the club as we continue to build sustainably towards our ambitious goals. Adding Alan to the staff and welcoming him back home adds not only to our experience as a coaching team, but is proof in our vision for the team over the coming years.
It’s a great time to be part of the club and I am very excited for next year.”
Alan on rejoining - "I'm delighted to be rejoining the coaching staff in Pembroke for the next two seasons. I have been in Pembroke since I was born so to be back in the club feels like a return home. I am excited for the challenge ahead next season and look forward to getting out on the pitch again in purple."
We would also like to thank Colin "Wiggy" Kelly who was an important member of the Men's 1st XI promotion last season, he will be continuing to coach in the club, sharing his wealth of experience and knowledge.
This coming season will test the team and we hope that Kristian’s and Alan’s commitment for the next 2 seasons, come what may, will help give the Squad a sense of stability and confidence that Pembroke is well placed to support them achieve their goals, on the pitch and off it.
I hope that we can all join together in wishing Kristian and Alan the very best in their appointments for the coming seasons. Pre-season planning is well underway and the hard work starts here.
Kind regards
Patrick Shanahan
Men’s Club Captain
Pembroke Wanderers Hockey Club