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Watkins joins Tigers as head coach
Photograph of Tom Watkins who has joined the Telford Tigers as head coach courtsey of Mark Tredgold: www.tredders.com.
Telford Tigers have signed GB international and Elite league player Tom Watkins as head coach for the club's first season under fans ownership.
Chairman Alan Gould confirmed the appointment, saying: "The Tiger Tracks supporters' trust is delighted to have captured Tom Watkins as its first key signing for season 2010-11.
"His playing career credentials, combined with his great experience in developing young players made him an outstanding choice. We know Tom is keen to progress as a player-coach and we are thrilled that he has chosen to make this career step with Telford Tigers."
Watkins, 32, was born and raised in Durham, coming to Telford in 1996 for a three-year spell with the Tigers. He has spent the last ten seasons with the phenomenally successful Coventry Blaze, with whom he has lifted the Elite League, playoff and Challenge Cup titles. He has also regularly been selected for the GB team, coached by Coventry boss Paul Thompson.
The 32-year-old is married with two young children and lives in Telford, where he has also been head coach for the town's junior development programme for the past two years.
"I have had ten fantastic seasons with Coventry, including a brilliant testimonial year, and am moving on with their best wishes and support," said Watkins. "The team there - Paul Thompson, Andy Buxton and Mike Cowley - have been like family.
"I live in Telford so I have followed eagerly what has been happening with the Tigers and their new set-up. I see this as a good opportunity for me.
"I come from a very successful playing background and will bring my winning mentality to the job. I know Tigers will have a limited budget, but still have certain personal expectations. I don't expect to lose every game and I believe we can get success on and off the ice with the new regime at the club.
"I have already made a start talking to players and know the type of people I want. The budget dictates where I can go, but I'm looking for players who are committed to the Tigers, a team who will work hard for each other, regardless of the score, and who come ready to play - ability, attitude and work ethic.
"It doesn't matter if they are from Telford or elsewhere - if they are good enough and have the right attitude they will get the opportunity to play."
Because of his connections with the junior set-up, as well as his friendships with players throughout the leagues, Watkins has a clear idea of how he would like ice hockey to develop in Telford.
"There are lots of quality Telford players at other clubs," he said. "I think it is important that Telford has a team at the highest possible level to give those with the talent the opportunity to play for their home side.
"And there several different groups of people involved in hockey - the Tigers, the junior teams and the Titans ENL side. I believe we all need to be going in the same direction for the good of hockey. I will be looking at all the players and hope the Titans will work with us.
"I also think we will attract new fans this year and we can get more involved with schools to encourage more people into skating and playing hockey."
Alan Gould added: "We are setting quite a challenge to Tom, as the trust is running on a limited budget. However, if there are companies out there who would like to help us build a stronger team by sponsoring the club, now is the time to come forward. It would be great to be able to give Tom the kind of budget that would make Tigers really competitive and successful."
The Tigers are the first UK ice hockey club to be owned and managed by a supporters' trust. The club continues to appeal for new members and sponsorship and anyone interested can find out more at www.telfordtigers.co.uk.
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