Oxford Hawks have appointed Ian Cordwell as their men’s first-team coach for the next two seasons.

Most of Cordwell’s career has been spent with Bath Buccaneers, enjoying considerable success as the they have progressed from regional league hockey to their position as an established National League outfit.

He has acted as 1st XI manager and assistant coach under South African international Jody Paul, but has been looking for a new challenge.

Hawks president Paddy Roche said: “This is a massively important appointment for the club and a real statement of intent.

“Ian will take 1st XI training on Tuesdays and Thursday seach week as well as attending all Saturday matches through the season.

“Ian is a grade 3 coach and an assistant coach educator for England Hockey.

“He already knows Hawks well and recognises our huge potential and will be looking to achieve a rapid return to South Premier League hockey for the club.

“He starts at the end of August but people may see him around the club in the meantime.

“He is well up for the challenge, keen to develop young players into the squad and determined to reassert Hawks’ position as a force to be reckoned with.

“We welcome him to the club – this is a terrific coup for us and we are absolutely delighted.”