AFTER an absence of more than two decades, Cheltenham Hockey Club have returned to the England National Hockey League.

Under the leadership of head coach Lee Robson, Cheltenham Men's first team earned promotion to EHL West Conference.

And as the club look to cement their position in the league, they have made a number of changes.

Tim Hickman has been appointed manager of the first team to bring his experience of managing Stourport and Clifton to the club.

He said: "The equivalent level of national hockey in the West Conference for football is the Championship."

And he told his players: "You are professional athletes, unfortunately you don't get paid, but must have the same attitude."

The club have also made a partnership arrangement with the University of Gloucestershire.

This means the men's and ladies teams can take advantage of facilities at the Oxstalls Campus.

The men's first team have had a pre-season fitness assessment at Oxstalls – a week after Cheltenham Town players had a similar session.

The new regime will also see the hockey club have a physio to attend training and all matches.

After the fitness test an individual six-week training program was drawn up by Loren Baker, a training instructor who monitors and advises players on their individual plans.

Re-tests are taken to see that players put in the necessary work to improve their fitness levels.

This was complimented by the services of Sam Schilder, a professional nutritionist, who has formulated diet recommendations and hydration principles for pre, post and during matches.

Head coach Lee Robson, in charge of hockey at King's School, Gloucester, has strengthened the coaching staff with the arrival of Gwyn Williams from Stourport where he has been assistant coach for many years.

Williams, a former Cheltenham player, is in charge of hockey at Cheltenham College.

Robson said Williams would bring new ideas and vision to the coaching staff.

As coaching consultant, th club have gained the services of Carl Ward, an ex-director of coaching for England Hockey, to pass on his experience to the coaches and players as they prepare themselves for the season ahead.

Coaching has started and the squad are now looking forward to playing friendlies.

Their first league match of the season will be against Bath Buccaneers on September 19 at Balcarras School, Cheltenham, push back 2.00pm. All supporters welcome.