Hockey: Moodie out to make mark in Scots set-up

FORMER Olympian Graham Moodie has been confirmed as Scotland’s Under-21 hockey coach and today he declared: “I believe I can make a difference.”

The 31-year-old, Croydon-born midfield star takes over from Paisley-based Derek Forsyth who was recently elevated to the senior squad.

Edinburgh-based Moodie, who has been player-coach to Edinburgh University for the past three seasons, said: “I’m passionate. I’ve learnt a lot from top coaches during ten years playing for Scotland and Great Britain.

“As a player, I have 12 years of experience of international hockey, including an Olympic Games and two Commonwealth Games.

“I know what it takes to compete at the highest level. I’ve also played in two Under-21 European A Division competitions and was part of the last squad to play in a Junior World Cup for Scotland.”

Moodie’s appointment coincides with an important international season for Scotland’s Under-21 side. They compete in the top division of the EuroHockey Junior Nations Championship in Den Bosch this summer where they face European heavyweights Belgium, Spain and Germany in Pool B. A good performance could see the side qualify for the FIH Junior World Cup next year.

The former Stirling University student has also played for Edinburgh sides Inverleith and MIM and Glasgow cracks Western.