Derek Forsyth steps down as head coach of Scotland men

After over a decade in the role Derek Forsyth has stepped down as head coach of the Scotland Men’s National Team.

Derek has been a tremendous servant to Scottish Hockey and the Scotland men’s programme. He first took the role of assistant coach of the men’s national team from 2007 until stepping up to the head coach position in 2012, and was previously head coach of the Scotland U21 men’s side between 1991 to 1998 and 2010 to 2012.

Derek’s time at the helm has brought tremendous success to the national men’s team. In 2017 Scotland’s long-awaited return to the top tier of European hockey was delivered when the Blue Sticks won gold at Men’s EuroHockey Championship II in Glasgow.

The victory saw Scotland men finally take to the pitch at the EuroHockey Championships in Antwerp, in 2019, after a 12-year hiatus.

Also in 2017 the team excelled beyond all expectations to qualify for the World League Semi-Finals in London, after an excellent qualifying campaign in Glasgow and Belfast. The year ended with Scotland men winning Team of the Year at the Sunday Post Awards – a fantastic accolade for the squad.

This period of success contributed to Scotland men’s highest ever world ranking in 2019, rising from 28th to 19th, a huge testament to both the players and staff.

Derek was head coach for three Commonwealth Games: Glasgow 2014; Gold Coast 2018; and Birmingham 2022; and was assistant for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi 2010.

At Gold Coast 2018 Scotland men achieved their highest-ever finish at a Commonwealth Games, a remarkable achievement that was not included in Scotland’s rankings success in 2019.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic could not stop Scotland progressing. After a penalty shootout in the final Scotland won silver in 2021 at Men’s EuroHockey Championship II in Gniezno.

While working as head coach of the Scotland U21 men the team finished a creditable fifth in the European Championships on two occasions, and 10th at the 1993 Junior World Cup. There was also success in 2010 when the team won gold at the European ‘B’ division in Vienna.

Forsyth said, “I have had the privilege of being involved with the senior men for a number of years, working alongside incredible players, coaches and support staff.

“I would like to thank them all for their support and patience throughout that time. Over the years, there have been a number of highs which have left me with great memories, and I will always be grateful to Scottish Hockey for the opportunity they gave me to lead the Scottish men’s programme.

“I firmly believe the current squad of talented players will bring Scotland more success in the future, supported by the emerging talent from our U21s squad.

“I wish everyone involved with the men’s programme every success for the future.”

Scottish Hockey CEO Barry Cawte added, “I would like to congratulate Derek on all the fantastic work he has done as Scotland senior men’s head coach, including the return to A Division and pushing the team to a world ranking high.

“Derek is highly regarded and respected by all those that have worked with him and has had a positive influence across Scottish Hockey. Coaches of Derek’s quality are extremely difficult to find and his shoes will be a challenge to fill. He does, however leave in place an exciting team, which has a blend of experience and emerging talent.

“I would like to thank Derek on behalf of Scottish Hockey for his service and dedication.”

Scottish Hockey will provide an update on the Scotland Men’s National Team Head Coach position in due course.

A huge congratulations from all at Scottish Hockey to Derek Forsyth on a fantastic international coaching career.

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