A big thanks to Dangie as Callum Bowley picks up the reins at the Barons

The TC Cars Solihull Barons are sad to announce the retirement of Dangie Brittle from both his playing and coaching role. We are however delighted that Callum Bowley has agreed to step into the role of Head Coach, a role in which he will be ably supported in by Marcus Maynard who will take on an assistant position.

Daniel Brittle (S Crampton)

For Dangie the decision to step away was always going to be a difficult but ultimately a very understandable one :

It is with a heavy heart and lots of fond memories that I have decided to make the decision to retire from Ice Hockey.

“This decision has been one I have considered many times in the past but with lots of changes this year with my personal circumstances I have decided it is now the right time. Solihull these last few years has been great fun and has seen a variety of highs and lows. The club has grown in stature, organisation and the team has gone/is going from strength to strength. I cannot thank all of those that have been part of the club that I have shared the journey with, the support from the committee and players alike has been great. The club is certainly in safe hands to continue and build on this progress. More silverware is definitely to follow.”

Callum meanwhile was delighted to make the step-up :

“I am delighted to be appointed head coach of the Solihull Barons for the upcoming season and look forward to building an exciting team that is capable of challenging for silverware.

“We have a talented group of players in Solihull and I have high expectations for us next season. I want to build on what we have, implement an exciting brand of hockey and improve the way we go about our business on and off the ice.

“Working alongside me will be Marcus Maynard as he will take on the role of assistant coach. We’re working hard to get the right people in and I think we have a lot to look forward to come next season.

“On behalf of the players and club, I would like to say a massive thank you to Dangie for his commitment to the Barons and wish him the very best in the future! To the fans, continue to stay safe, keep an eye out for all the latest signings and we look forward to seeing you all very soon!”

Callum Bowley fends off Lee Pollitt (J&K Davies)

Barons chair Dave Hayward also reflected on the news :

“Dangie’s decision to retire came as a bit of a surprise given the enthusiasm he has shown in planning for the new season but the events of recent months has caused people to reassess many things in their lives and when combined with the forthcoming birth of his first child it makes perfect sense.

“The Barons have much to be thank Dangie for since he took over as head coach following the swift departure of the previous head coach after only a few games of that particular season. During Dangie’s tenure the club has made great strides and he leaves the team much stronger than when he took over. The challenges for the team were many, not least of which was the seasons where the Barons had to compete against the ex EPL teams and still remained extremely competitive. He has always had the respect of the dressing room and has become a firm favourite of the fans, he will be missed although some opposition teams may have a quiet celebration at Dangie’s retirement.

“Dangie has been a pleasure to work with and has been very positive in supporting changes off the ice as well as on it. I wish him every success and happiness in the next phase of his life and to thank him for everything he has done for the club ,especially for his succession planning that has  enabled us to appoint a new Head Coach providing the continuity and stability of the club.

“I would like to be the first to welcome Callum Bowley as our new Head Coach and thank him for stepping up, after speaking at length I am absolutely positive he is the right person to continue the success that Dangie brought to the club.

“As a senior player Callum already has the respect of the team and will be assisted by Marcus Maynard, the two of them will be a formidable team with experience at all levels within the senior game.

“Whilst we are still in uncertain times and the path ahead for next season is still unclear we will continue to plan and part of this will be for Callum to announce the team which he hopes to do in the coming weeks.

“Keep well and safe all and see you at the rink when we are back.

The Barons are very well placed to return to competitive hockey as and when it is safe to do so. Keep following us for updates as soon as we have them !