Whalley retains England captaincy

LOCAL hockey player Andy Whalley has been named as England mixed captain again. The Yobbos star (pictured) has been made skipper for the game against Wales in Swansea on 5 July.

The preparations begin this weekend with matches against the Dutch Combined Services and then the British Combined Services. These will be followed by matches against Reading and East Grinstead, both of whom are Premier National League sides.

Whalley considers it a great honour but something of a surprise, after having a serious knee operation. However, he has recovered with the help of his specialist, David Pring, and Mike Thomas, his physio.

'Obviously I am extremely proud and honoured. I half expected to be back in the team after the trials, but I didn't expect to be named captain again,' Whalley explained.