Dave Reid retires from Scottish Hockey

Dave Reid has retired after 32 years with Scottish Hockey as a coach. Dave has contributed in a variety of different roles down the years, most recently as a coach for Scotland men.

Reid’s first role in the Scottish Hockey coaching setup came in 1990 when he joined Scotland U21 women as an assistant coach to Mike Gilbert. Dave was initially brought in as a fitness coach and inevitably ended up involved in analysis as well. From there, Dave’s role grew.

Dave’s background was in athletics. When he stopped running he continued to play football but an injury made playing football painful, so he began to look for a new sport to compete in. A close friend played hockey and at the age of 28 Dave picked up a stick for the first time. “Playing hockey was a fluke,” he said.

Within a couple of years Dave got into coaching, initially focussing on physical preparation using his athletics training background, which is what led him to the national programme with Scottish Hockey.

Over the years Reid has been involved with not just Scotland senior national teams, but all age group squads, as both assistant coach and head coach.

From 2002 onwards he has worked exclusively within the men’s programme, which has taken him to three Commonwealth Games, and it would have been four but for Covid ruling him out of Birmingham 2022, and countless FIH tournaments and European championships in both A and B division.

Dave has been involved in thousands of games for Scotland international teams over the years, but the most rewarding part of the journey for him has been watching the development of players. He said, “On a personal level, it’s watching young people who didn’t see their own full potential go onto achieve more than they ever thought they would. Sometimes it’s a club player who became an international player at U21 or senior level, other times it’s a player becoming an Olympian. Seeing young players develop is the thrill.”

There are many players who have worked closely with Dave over the years, one of whom is Olympian Stephen Dick. Reid explained, “I spent so much time working with Stephen Dick, almost daily sessions, since he was 12 years old, and Stephen’s goal was always to be an Olympian. It was a thrill to see Stephen achieve what he set out to do and to have been at least part of that journey.

“I also worked with Graham Moodie as a youngster, and throughout his career. I remember telling his dad that I thought Graham, at age 14, would be an Olympian, and Moodie’s dad thought I was mad”.

“Chris Grassick was another one, but these are just the GB players. There are many others who achieved things that are just as important to me. It’s not all about winning trophies, seeing them achieve things or reacing personal milestone and getting the odd thank you message for helping them is worth more than medals.”

The recent Men’s EuroHockey Qualifier D was Dave’s last tournament and after 32 years it’s the end of a tremendous contribution to Scottish Hockey.

Dave added, “I’ve had an amazing time and I wouldn’t change any of it. There’s been no point where I haven’t been coaching over the last 32 years. I was always doing district squads or supporting the national programme in some way.

“Watching a player achieve something they didn’t think they could achieve is very special – these are the special moments. It’s been an absolute privilege working with some of Scotland’s finest young men and women over the years.

“I’m at peace with my decision. It’s a fantastic time of change and so it feels like the right time to step away and spend more time with family, and enjoy some of my hobbies like photography and golf.”

Scotland men’s head coach Derek Forsyth paid tribute to Dave’s contribution, adding, “It’s been a pleasure working with Dave over the years both with the senior men and U21s. He was worked tirelessly throughout that time for the benefit of both squads using his invaluable coaching experience to help players achieve their goals, and support other coaching staff throughout Scottish Hockey with their development.

“He will be sorely missed but hopefully we’ll see him at future international events on the side-lines supporting the Scottish teams but with a drink in his hand rather than a coaching board.”

 

 

 

Recent posts:

Back to all news
Back to top