Old Georgians’ men’s head coach and director of hockey Mike Hughes will step down in May following a 10-year stint that has seen the club rise from nowhere to be England champions.

The club made their debut in the Euro Hockey League last October and have already qualified for Europe next season as table-toppers in the English regular season. They will look to win back-to-back national championships next weekend at Surbiton at their finals weekend.

As such, Hughes is hoping to finish on a high with the Surrey club having seen them rise through the regional ranks to win promotion to the Premier Division in 2020 and then won the title in 2022.

“The last five years as Director of Hockey have yielded unparalleled success for the club and we have achieved everything we set out to achieve and more,” he posted on social media of the decision to step back. 

“It’s the right time for me, my family, the M1s group and the wider club for someone to come in and start the next chapter of Georgian journey. 

“I can feel very proud to say that I led authentically throughout and truly’left the shirt in a better place 

“This summer will bring some welcome RnR. Maybe even a holiday in August! The worries of who signs the latest Scottish player coming into Bisham [Abbey to the Great Britain programme], of how the league might change next year, of ‘will we have our players available?’, of ‘how do we reach the EHL FINAL4’ can all fade away (for now!). 

“It’s then about reflecting on the positive culture, processes and amazing success stories during this time.

“Any great success should be shared and relies on the work, effort and dedication from many. A massive thank you to everyone I have been lucky enough to meet and work with during this period. 

“To all the volunteers, the board, the players, the captains, the coaches, the staff, our opponents, to the Georgian Family, thank you for accepting me as I am and helping make our crazy dreams a reality! 

“One special mention must go out to the Georgian saint that is Jonny Stephens. Thank you for being an unwavering source of… ‘support’. Without you, none of this would have been possible. 

“I look forward to hopefully having a beer with you all in the coming weeks to express my gratitude. 

“Right then, lets see if we can finish by winning the final ‘phase’ of this season…”