Easy does it as new man Revington looks to create winning culture

Incoming Ireland senior men’s hockey coach Paul Revington insists he won’t be trying to run before he can walk when he begins his new job in January. The 35-year-old South African was in Banbridge last weekend to cast his eye over Ireland’s three games against Scotland, as part of a reconnaissance trip before he officially takes over from Dave Passmore in the new year. While all involved in Irish hockey are desperate to see a team progress to the finals of a major championship under the new coach, Revington says he will initially have a narrower focus. “Having gone through six years of international coaching, one can sometimes get caught up in long-term processes, and try and think four years down the line,” said the former Springbok coach.

“Outside of building the team quickly, to build a successful team and process you have to try and win every game. From my side, while we build this team and keep improving them game by game, it’s crucial for us to try and build a continued winning environment within the group. “As you do that, the milestones of World Cups and Olympics potentially take care of themselves.” Revington, began his coaching career after suffering a serious injury in his early 20s, and admitted that overseeing players older than him forced him to “grow quite quickly”. He brings top-level tournament experience to the role, having reached the finals of the World Cup, Olympics and Commonwealth Games during his three years with South Africa. He insists Ireland are good enough to qualify for the Olympics, adding that regaining European A division status was a major priority, and he echoed Passmore’s recent comments about the need for increased self-belief among the players. “Sometimes South Africa are in a similar environment where the actual belief in the quality of what they’ve got is not always there,” he said. “A process is required to get the team to a certain level, and you’ve got to have someone who believes in the process and the group of players -and I certainly believe in them.” Revington has already left a big impression on many in Irish hockey who have been surprised by the depth of his knowledge of the game here. “I think when you get to know me over the coming few months, you’ll find I’m a sport and hockey nut and, having looked at Irish hockey over the last while, it’s on the up. “Dave (Passmore) has clearly built up a good process here for any coach to step into, it’s a healthy environment and that’s what my decision was based on.” In any case, there is continuity with the previous regime in the form of his compatriot Craig Fulton, who played for South Africa under Revington, and is set to stay on as assistant coach for at least another year. “From a character point of view, Craig is an absolute fighter,” said Revington. “He left us (South Africa) to come here at a stage when we probably hoped he’d stay for another three years as a player, and I think Irish hockey has benefited immensely from him coming over. It was our loss and Irish hockey’s gain. He adds that experience to the current group from a toughness point of view, without a doubt.” While Revington has candidly admitted in the past that he left the South African job in 2006 under a cloud, having fallen out with officials, but was keen to draw a line under the incident. “I don’t think there is a need to elaborate on it. I think as a coach, you are either coming in or you’re going out. I’ve had lots of super memories and great moments within South Africa over a long period and, for me, that is what I’ll hold with me, not the other issues.”