Barry Middleton, the Great Britain and England captain, and Helen Richardson, the Great Britain, England and Reading central midfield player have been named Players of the Year for 2010 following the annual poll conducted among British members of the Hockey Writers’ Club.
Both players, recently selected by the World Hockey Federation in their world squads for 2010, are no strangers to honours.
Richardson, 29, the former Leicester player who returned to England 18 months ago following a highly successful year with Den Bosch, the European champions, was the 2009 winner of the award. She experienced another splendid year in 2010, being instrumental in England winning bronze medals at the World Cup, the Commonwealth Games and at the Champions Trophy.
Richardson and Middleton received the traditional Rose Bowls and their cheques at the HWC’s presentation lunch at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, in Knightsbridge. The prizes were presented by Simon Mason, president of the England Hockey Board and himself a winner of the men’s player of the year award in 1994 and 2003.
Richardson donated her cheque to the youth section of her first club – West Bridgford Monarchs HC. Middleton, 27, donated his winnings to the youth section of his first club, Doncaster.
Middleton, winner in 2004 and 2007, took the title for a record third time, to equal Karen Brown.
Middleton is playing his indoor hockey with East Grinstead before returning next month to Germany to play for An der Alster, who he joined this season.
James Fair (Cannock) and Beth Storry (Reading), runners up in the HWC poll, have also both been named in the world all-star squads, as was last year’s men’s winner, Ashley Jackson (East Grinstead) who this year finished third in the HWC ballot. Kate Walsh who has twice won the women’s award, finished third in the women’s voting.
For further information please contact:
HWC Hon. Secretary Dil Bahra Tel 01322 346 377 M 07941 681 227 Email Dilbahra@aol.com