Adam Dixon named as England and Great Britain hockey captain

Adam Dixon has been named as the new Great Britain captain.

The former Newark Hockey Club player, 32, has been announced as captain of England and Great Britain men’s hockey team, and said he was delighted to have been given the chance to captain his country.

Dixon said: “With it there obviously comes a huge amount of responsibility and I feel that at I am at the stage in my career where I can give my all to the captaincy and continue to try give my best performances on the field.

“I don’t take this challenge lightly and there is certainly going to be times when the team and myself are tested to our limits over the coming months.”

Dixon ­— who has made more than 250 appearances for GB and England ­— started his playing career in Newark, and the club showed their delight at his news.

Newark Hockey Club’s president Tim Burch said: “Adam’s very first hockey club would like to congratulate him on becoming captain of the GB and England hockey team.

“He is a legend and very much part of the history of our club. In 1998, both our under-11s and under-13 boys represented the Midlands at the National Mini Hockey finals. A feat not repeated.

“Adam, 11 at the time, played in the under-11’s team throughout the qualifying rounds.

“At the finals he played for the under-13’s, very much a sign of things to come.”

Dixon’s father, Graham, has led the support for the England captain over his career, and said the sport had enabled him to play all over the world.

“He’s played in all of the major tournaments, won a few medals, made a lot of friends, and that has been down to his talent, effort and dedication,” he said.

“But, being selected as captain by his peers says more about him as a person, and that makes it extra special.”

The midfielder is the most experienced player in the men’s squad.

He won gold in the 2009 European Championships, and has also won Commonwealth Games medals on two occasions.

The Beeston player ­— who has played in the Netherlands for HC Rotterdam and India for Kalinga Lancers ­— was a stand-out player in December’s World Cup, where England finished fourth.

Dixon said he felt the squad was in a good position and ready for the challenges ahead.

“Firstly, there are some excellent existing leaders within the group who can play a massive role in steering our performances and shaping our team culture,” said Dixon.

“Secondly, we have some real talent across the squad that is hungry to improve every time they step on to the training ground.

“Both of the above fill me with genuine excitement and optimism for the coming FIH Pro League and Olympic qualification campaigns.”

Tomorrow (February 15) Dixon leads Great Britain out against Australia in Perth, a side that have struggled to get points on the board, having lost their opening two fixtures.

Great Britain are currently top of the Pro League after battling back to beat Spain 6-5 on match-day one, before comfortably beating New Zealand 6-2.