East Grinstead manager Matt Jones has welcomed the introduction of end-of-season play-offs.

The top five teams at the end of the 18-match domestic campaign will play-off for the right to be crowned English champions.

The team finishing top of the domestic league will be guaranteed England's third place ranking in the Euro Hockey League, which they can improve upon by finishing first or second in the play-offs.

Grinstead won their first national title last year but, under the new format, would have to be successful in the play-offs to gain a coveted higher ranking for the Euro Hockey League.

Jones said: “We are pleased the play-offs have returned, because we have had them in the past.

“It will certainly put an edge and some spice into the end of the season with a number of teams having something to play for and the players like play-offs.

“The Euro Hockey League is high-paced, razzle dazzle, high performance, great fun and high exposure. It you can utilise it, you should have a better income as a result of having qualified. From that perspective the play-offs are a great thing.”

The play-offs will involve two semi-finals with the domestic league champions playing the winners of a play-off between fourth and fifth. The other game will be between the sides finishing second and third.

Grinstead are stepping up their preparations for the new season when they will be defending their national title and trying to retain the indoor league championship as well as competing in Europe both outdoors and indoors.

Three internationals have been signed so far in the shape of Niall Stott (Scotland and Great Britain), Rick Gay (Wales) and Aberto Esteban (Spain).

Former player-coach Kwan Browne returned to Saint Hill with his new Canterbury side for a warm-up game last Saturday but Grinstead ran out 3-1 winners with Stott (two) and Mark Pearn on target.