Tim Deakin will play a key role in a new era for East Grinstead Hockey Club after being named men’s first team captain.

The experienced former England under-21 defender has turned down the role of player-coach at Oxted to take on the new position with Grinstead.

Deakin, who moved to Saint Hill in 2013 after spells at Cannock and Surbiton, looked like he may join a number of high-profile departures from the club this summer.

Star turn Ashley Jackson has joined Holcombe while fellow Great Britain international Mark Gleghorne has moved to Cannock.

In addition, former Olympian Mark Pearn has retired from top-level hockey and long-serving men’s team manager Matt Jones has left the club.

Grinstead will also lose captain Niall Stott at the end of January as he is going to Australia for a period of time.

Persuading Deakin to stay is a big boost to lead coach Karl Stagno and new men’s first team manager James Leman, the former club chairman who took on the role last week.

Leman said: “Tim had an offer from Oxted but he is staying with us and will be captain.

“He is a very experienced hockey player. Oxted wanted him as player-coach which he was thinking about but he will be with us.”

Leman is also hopeful international defender Andy Bull will stay at the club, despite suggestions he too would be leaving once he returns from a trip to Australia.

He said: “Andy was our player of the season last year. He is currently in Australia but we are very hopeful he will be coming back.”

Stott will continue to play for Grinstead outdoors and indoors until he heads Down Under at the end of January.

Meanwhile, East Grinstead’s outdoor and indoor coaches are relishing the prospect of working with Leman.

Stagno said: “Having already begun working with James in the past weeks, I’m excited at the prospect of continuing the good habits the club has developed over the years while bringing new ideas to our approach.”

Indoor coach Richard Organ added: “Having played alongside James I know well his competitive spirit and will to win.

“I am pleased we are able to team up “off the pitch” now and continue to drive East Grinstead forward.”

The men’s first team will next be in competitive action when they and the women’s first team host the second annual “Five Feathers Invitational Cup” across the August Bank Holiday weekend (August 29-31).

Featuring three visiting men’s and ladies sides, the competition will provide an excellent opportunity for hockey enthusiasts to see top quality hockey close to home.