Oxford City Stars have appointed Dean Birrell as new head coach with immediate effect.
Birrell, 44, has a wealth of experience and the club are delighted to have secured his services. The Scot will be the head coach of the Stars and form a close alignment with the junior club to support the development of young players.
Birrell has an extensive coaching track record having spent 15 years in head coach and director of hockey roles at Chelmsford Chieftains and Streatham Redskins. During his coaching career Birrell has earned an enviable reputation for building teams, developing young players and winning trophies.
The Stars moved quickly to appoint Birrell after stand-in head coach Paul Gore confirmed he could not take the role permanently due to family commitments. Birrell is looking forward to returning to ice hockey after taking a break from the sport.
Birrell said: “It’s great to have joined a good club that has a clear strategy and vision and I am looking forward to getting started. After a spell out of the game I’m delighted to have been given opportunity to return.
“Oxford has a great core group of players, a desire to develop youngsters and a five-year plan. It is a challenge and an opportunity to build something and that’s what attracted me to the role.”
Stars’ director Greig Box Turnbull said: “Dean has bags of experience and has achieved so much in the sport. He is highly respected and is a fantastic appointment for the Stars. I’m sure he will make a real impact and help build the club.”
Stars’ director Jo Mundy said: “We had a lot of interest in the role and some good people get in touch, but Dean stood out for us. We believe he is the right fit for the Stars, he has an excellent track record and we’re delighted to have him on board.”
Prior to coaching Birrell was a D-Man for Peterborough Pirates and Chelmsford Chieftains.