LONDON, UK – Oxford City Stars were rocked this week by the sudden departure of Head Coach Simon Anderson to Swindon. This was on the back of news that star forward Juraj Rusic could be ruled out for a number of weeks with a shoulder injury.
Ken Forshee new head coach
Anderson’s efforts at Oxpens Road had not gone unnoticed, and he was headhunted by Swindon Wildcats Coach Ryan Aldridge for a full time role at the Link Centre. Anderson insists that whilst it was a tough decision, it really was an opportunity too good to turn down:
“It’s a very good opportunity for me in Swindon. I’m heading up their Wildcats in the Community Programme during the day and will be Ryan Aldridge’s Assistant as well, so it becomes my day job and from a financial point of view I have had to do what is best for my family. I’m very sad to leave Oxford, they are a great bunch of guys to coach, have a good management team and I genuinely hope that they do very well for the rest of the season”
Despite Anderson leaving to join their fierce rivals, Stars manager Gary Dent was supportive of his decision:
Great opportunity for Simon Anderson
“This wasn’t the first time Simon had been approached to join the Wildcats this season but this time the offer was too good to refuse,
“Simon has always been completely honest and open in his dealings with me and I know he was upset about leaving, particularly when he missed out on the chance to say goodbye to everybody personally, when both training and the Invicta game were called off last week,
“Swindon actually wanted him to join before last weekend but he refused that request because he wanted to see everyone before he left and wanted to give us a little more time to seek a replacement”
Some Stars fans are concerned that Anderson’s departure could lead to an exodus of players before the transfer deadline. Indeed the current Stars line up is very much Anderson’s team, and it will be interesting to see if he tries to persuade any of his former players to join him in Swindon over the next couple of weeks.
The replacement was announced in the form of Ken Forshee who is currently on the Stars playing roster. Forshee has played at this level before a few years ago when he iced briefly for the Invicta Dynamos.
Influential Oxford defenseman Richard Wojciack believes that Forshee is the right man for the job:
City Stars fans concerned (Photo by Tim Bowers)
“No coach in the ENL has as much hockey know how and experience as Forsh. He has already proven his qualities as a coach at Swindon, leading the EPL Wildcats to fourth position, which I believe is their highest position in the modern era. Only good things for Oxford Ice Hockey club can come for this appointment in my opinion”
Oxford travel to Streatham this Sunday, and they will be hoping to give their supporters something to shout about after a turbulent couple of weeks. Thanks for reading and stay safe. Carrsy Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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