Inverleith on Euro duty in Sofia

Coach Stuart Neave takes his Inverleith squad to Sofia (Bulgaria) for the EuroHockey Indoor Challenge 1 tournament, and he takes with him a wealth of experience at the format and rigours of these club events.

Stuart is well aware of the pressures of five games in three days, the format which leaves little room for error, and playing against sides who will undoubtedly have a different style of play from Scotland. But, in addition, many of the players in the Inverleith squad also have considerable European experience.

The initial pool competition consists of teams from Eastern Europe – Friday starts with Sirvintos (Lithuania), then Soroksari (Hungary), and finally Triglav Predanovci (Slovenia) on Saturday morning.

Inverleith need to come in the top two to advance to the promotion pool against the leading sides from the other group, and it is the top two here that are in line for promotion.

These team names might be unfamiliar to some. So you might think that the pool contest is a leap in the dark for Stuart Neave…but that is not so.   Stuart explained: “We are fortunate to have information on all the teams in the tournament. A combination of our own background work, previous encounters and useful information provided by Western, for which we are grateful.”

So what is the way ahead in Sofia? Stuart`s targets are remarkably simple.  “Going forward, as with any tournament, our aim is deal with the challenge of each game with the aim of being there on the last day of the tournament, hopefully playing for promotion.”

And he added: “I firmly believe Scottish clubs are capable of playing in a higher division and see it as our responsibility to make that possible for Grove Menzieshill next season.”

Unfortunately, as Inverleith narrowly lost out to Grove Menzieshill in this year`s final in a shoot-out, it is the Taysiders who will inherit the Edinburgh side`s final outcome in Sofia for next season`s Euro competition.

There is room for optimism, Inverleith had a successful domestic season overall although the ultimate prize eluded them.  And Stuart further added: “We have a strong squad available and it is my job to make sure we perform at the required level.”

 

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