After a glittering career spanning eight seasons with Surbiton hockey club in England, Forsyth heads to the Major Hockey League signing for HGC in The Netherlands.
A natural goal scorer raised in Paisley, Scotland, Forsyth was crowned the leagues top marksman four times in the last five seasons. Amassing an impressive 160 goals as Surbiton’s domination of the English leagues went from strength to strength. In European competitions, Forsyth has netted eight times in seven games. Coming up against Dutch opposition only once in his career in the guise of Oranje-Zwart, in the 2013/14 EHL season.
Forsyth, an International Priority
A priority name on any international team sheet, Forsyth, with an impressive 185 caps for his country (47 GB, 138 SCO), is looking forward to a hockey filled summer. With the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics and the European Championships firmly within his sights. Forsyth is taking nothing for granted, having narrowly missed out on selection for the Rio Olympics in 2016.
Forsyth signs for HGC in the Major Hockey League (Hoofdklasse) along with fellow Great Britain teammates Ollie Willars and Zak Wallace. Speaking to Forsyth shortly before the announcement, he said, “I’ve spoken to a few clubs over last two seasons throughout Europe, I’ve always had a desire to test myself, and there is no better league to do it in.” “I’m excited by the future, to improve my game and to learn from [Head Coach] Paul [van Ass]”, he continued.
HGC Welcome their New Signings to the Major Hockey League
A proud Scotsman, Forsyth joins fellow countrymen Kenny Bains playing in the Netherlands. HGC Captain Seve van Ass was in a buoyant mood to welcome in the new signings, “Alan is a great goalscorer on international level. HGC can benefit of his skills and expertise and I think he will do great within our team”.
With these extra reinforcements across all areas of the pitch (Ollie Willars – Defence, Zac Wallace – Midfield, Alan Forsyth – Forward), Head coach Paul van Ass is looking forward to the new season. “Alan is one of the leading goalscorers of the GB team. HGC has an attacking way of playing hockey, so he fits in well.”, van Ass said. “Besides that, also socially he is a good sportsman and fits in very well”.
All three players will add a wealth of international experience, with a combined count of 369 caps between them; HGC Fans will be hoping their side will continue to compete at the top of the Tulp Hoofdklasse.
Along with Forsyth, Zak Wallace makes his move to The Hague from Surbiton. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has shown great form for both club and country since making his international debut in 2018. Since then, Wallace has been an ever-present, appearing at the World Cup and the European Championships before helping Great Britain qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
Ollie Willars signs from Beeston, Nottingham, and is the third British player joining HGC for the new season. Making his international debut versus India in December 2012, Ollie brings a wealth of technical defensive ability and tactical awareness. Possessing a D to D aerial ability, Ollie will draw some crowds and become a fan favourite at his new club.
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All stats by Hockey World News Chief Statistician - Colin Pike
