League clubs blamed for GHA resignation

'But the decision has made people address the problem and that was what was needed.

'Unfortunately it was a little fraught and people said things that they didn't mean. But now everyone has looked at it in the cold light of day and I don't think anyone can disagree with the outcome.

'The bad thing is how it came about.'

The GHC hav come under criticism from some quarters with people saying that they are a 'cartel' of hockey clubs.

Only Unwantables and Independents are not part of their set-up and Robilliard criticised the GHC saying that it strips the GHA of their power.

'The GHC has its good points and it has its bad points but it's not the all-powerful thing that people make it out to be - it's an admin function that collects fees and pays bills,' said Graham.

'Unfortunately, when something like this happens, because they have the majority of the members, they can affect hockey massively and that needs to be taken into consideration.'

Graham went on to add that

it was actually individuals and

not the GHC that made life

difficult for the GHA.

'It was the captains who met together, not the GHC,' he said.

'They didn't look at the bigger picture. They are concerned about their players and that is what they are supposed to do. I wouldn't want to play for a captain who wasn't.'

Despite the mess in which hockey currently finds itself, Graham says that the sport was in a healthy condition with the work that is being done on the development side, the great number of people taking part in the main leagues and the more social

business house leagues.

'I don't blame anyone for this but this is what happens when people run sport in their spare time,' he said.

'There is huge potential for things to go forward. I just wish we could keep them in place but, having spoken to Jason, I don't think he will change his mind.'