Speers to succeed Cregan

Alex Speers has set her sights on becoming the first skipper to lead the Irish women’s hockey team to the Olympics, after she was named as the senior side’s new captain this week.

The Banbridge native, currently playing her club hockey with Dublin’s Railway Union, replaces Eimear Cregan following her recent international retirement. Fellow Ulster woman, Emma Clarke — currently with English Premiership side Leicester — will take on the role of vice-captain, again replacing another to recently bow out at the top level, Bridget Cleland. At just 23, the selection of Speers as skipper reflects the overall youth of the current national panel — only three of the squad are over 25. But with 84 caps to her name, the ex-Pegasus girl — who filled the post on an interim basis last summer against Belgium — already has the requisite experience. “It is an honour to represent your country but it is the ultimate honour to captain your country and I am very proud to be given this opportunity,” she said. “I have taken over as captain in a very exciting period with the central preparation programme (CPP) well under way. I am confident the squad will continue to apply themselves and be in the best position possible to achieve our goal; participation at the Olympic Games in 2012.” Speaking about the appointments, head coach Gene Muller explained his reasoning: “Both Alex Speers and Emma Clarke are established players and natural replacements. “Alex always gives her best and will expect the same from all the players in the team. She is a clear-thinker, a true professional, and has earned the respect of both the players and the staff. “Clarkie has been one of Ireland’s most consistent performers in the last few years and is a natural and instinctive leader on an off the field. “Alex and Emma will be a formidable leadership team and we will benefit from their influence. I am absolutely confident that we have the right people to lead this team into the future.”