The 42-year-old former hockey player and double Olympian (pictured top), having represented Britain at Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996, will also be responsible for the London 2012 bronze medal winning British women.

"The new challenge of coaching the women's team is indeed an exciting one," Lee said.

"They have achieved an exceptionally high standard of commitment and performance and I hope to be able to help them to win more medals, with the World Cup qualification and the EuroHockey Nations Championships this year being the first targets.

"I've had a long and emotional time in charge of the men's team and I leave it with many great memories.

"I will miss not being in the men's programme but am confident that they will be successful and wish the team the very best of luck."

During nearly a decade with the men's team, Lee led England to their first European title at the 2009 EuroHockey Nations Championship in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, when they beat Germany 5-3 in the final.

At London 2012, the Team GB men just missed out on their first Olympic men's hockey medal since 1988, losing 3-1 to Australia in a playoff for the bronze.


Lee also guided England from 11th place to fourth in the world rankings during his time as coach.

"Jason's wealth of experience is extremely valuable to England Hockey and whilst we feel that the men's programme needs a change of leadership I was delighted that he applied for the role of women's head coach," Sally Munday, England Hockey chief executive, said.

"There was a strong field of candidates and the appointment panel felt that Jason was uniquely placed with his extensive international experience to take the women to the next level in our quest for higher podium finishes."

Lee replaces Danny Kerry, who became England Hockey's performance director after guiding the Britain's women to their medal at London 2012.

"I'm extremely pleased that we have retained the expertise and vision that Jason brings to our programmes," Kerry said.

"His vast experience working at the top level of international sport will put us in a great position to continue the progress made in recent years.

"I believe Jason has the ability to take the women's programme further on, continuing to medal at major tournaments and progress the team's play.

"Jason knows what it takes to win gold having led the England men to their first European Championship title in 2009 and I look forward to continuing to work with him."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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