Wimbledon Hoping For 'Third Time Lucky' At Super 6s Finals

Ahead of the club's push to win a maiden Super 6s title on Sunday 30 January, The Hockey Paper's Rod Gilmour spoke to a player, team manager and a coach from Wimbledon HC about the showpiece indoor event.

The team manager - David Horler

The six-week indoor season is a welcome change from David Horler’s day job as a Somerset farmer. January is a quieter time on the farm for Wimbledon’s Bath-based team manager and Horler relishes the indoor opportunity from his outdoor life.

Super 6s Finals Day for a team manager is a long one as organisational skills come to the fore with looking after players, registration, kits and colours. As Horler says: “It’s a nice change for me.”

“It is also about making sure players don’t get overawed by the day,” he added. “It’s a big day with a big crowd and the highlight of the sporting calendar for the hockey players. There is a lot of anticipation and it’s just a matter of keeping an eye on everybody and they settle and enjoy the day.”

Horler previously managed Team Bath Buccaneers when his son, Ed, first played there. “When a few of the university guys moved to Wimbledon, they asked if I would manage the Wimbledon indoor team,” he added. 

“This is my fourth season and we have been to two previous Super 6s Finals and I'm hoping it will now be third time lucky.”

The player and fan - Ed Horler

Wimbledon will be without their top scorer for the Super 6s Finals after dangerman Ed Horler, who scored 19 goals in eight games in the Men’s Premier Division, tore a ligament on Great Britain men’s recent trip to Spain. The 26-year-old said: “Luckily it's not a fracture. I am walking around and a week or two away [from returning]."

It means that Horler will don the scarf and be in the Wimbledon-designated supporters’ area on Sunday for Finals Day.

“I’m not sure if I have watched before and not been playing,” he said. “It’s gutting to miss out after thinking a few days ago I might be playing. But I am really excited for the team and we have a great opportunity. 

“The Super 6s is brilliant and, playing wise, it’s not often you run out in front of a crowd in England and the supporters really getting behind the team. It’s a different occasion and one of the best days in the calendar.”

Assessing the four finalists at the Copper Box, Horler noted that the competition had been one of the tightest in recent years.

“Surbiton have incredible depth, Hampstead are probably the hardest team to beat and East Grinstead are the indoor specialists, always well-drilled and play some of the better indoor hockey in the league. 

“But we have some great raw talent and with Karl joining us, his indoor knowledge has made a massive difference to how we play. That’s a huge strength for the future.”

The coach - Karl Stagno

As a director of hockey at Whitgift School, the indoor top flight and school fixtures have always clashed. This season, Stagno has been able to focus fully on the men’s Premier Division as Wimbledon bid for a first national indoor title.

He has had his work cut out this season, with seven players away on Great Britain’s recent trip to Spain, a raft of injuries and being able to offer several teenagers and 2nd XI squad members the chance to experience top flight action.

“We could be more prepared but we feel really excited going into the weekend of our chances,” said Stagno.

“We will stay grounded and not get overtaken by the grandeur of the event. But equally you would be foolish not to savour these moments. We don’t get them regularly and I will definitely suck all the atmosphere in.”

On the European stage, Stagno has had two stints with East Grinstead as a coach in the Euro Hockey League and one as a player with Surbiton. But he admits that the focus is not on reaching a first European indoor tilt.

“This is my first year doing the indoor season fully. It’s the first time the men’s calendar and the school calendar hasn’t clashed and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it,” he said.

“But we’re not thinking about Europe. Winning domestically is all that the players are worried about. They feel that the last few times they have been to the Copper Box they have probably let themselves down and they are really keen to give it a go. We aren’t thinking of Europe indoors, but we’ll take it with both hands should it come."

Instead of staying overnight in a local hotel, the Wimbledon team will meet up for a mid-morning brunch on Sunday before heading to the Arena. Stagno said of the team’s title tilt: “I can only ask them to give themselves justice as they are all great players. We have a plan and know how we will approach the game and if they can achieve that we’ll be in a good place, regardless of whether it goes our way or not.”