The new head coach of Surbiton hockey club men’s team has vowed to develop the club’s junior section in a bid to maintain a challenge on the national title.

Mark Pearn was announced as the replacement to Todd Williams last week, and the club also revealed that Brett Garrard would remain head coach of the ladies’ outfit.

Pearn comes to the club from a spell as assistant player-coach at Richmond, which culminated in them winning the Conference East title, but just missing out on promotion to the Premier Division via the play-offs.

The 39-year-old retired from playing twice, once in 2005 and then again in 2011 having picked up the stick to play in the 2011 London Cup.

Among his accolades is a Commonwealth Games bronze medal from 1998, as well as three European Championship bronze medals.

He said: “I have enjoyed my time on the pitch over the past 25 years and have been fortunate as a player to have been part of many successful teams.

“I am looking forward to the next stage of my hockey career at Surbiton and passing on the experience I have gained over many years.”

He added: “I am hugely excited to have the opportunity to work with such a talented and committed group of players as well as helping to develop their outstanding junior section.

“The club has high aspirations and the challenge is there for me to get the best out of this team and to regularly challenge for national titles.”

Surbiton finished second in last season’s MHL Premier Division, but lost to Reading at the end of season play-offs and missing out on a place in Europe.

Club captain Mark Waller said: “Mark’s record and experience as a player is second to none and he has the strength of character and skills that will help build and improve upon the fantastic legacy in place at the club today.

“I have no doubt he will bring an energy and commitment that will lead to exciting hockey.

“I also know he will continue and enhance bringing young players through and developing them alongside our established players.”