After 3 successful years as our Head Women’s Coach, Andy Richardson is stepping down for the role at the end of this current season.
“I feel now is the right time to allow a new coach to come in and work with the squad and move them forwards. I promised the Club I would give three years to the role, and feel in that time the women’s section as a whole has improved.
It has been an honour to work with the players and club over this period. I have enjoyed the many different challenges and being around a group of players constantly aspiring to improve. We still have half a season to go, all efforts will be working hard to make sure we finish the season in a strong position ready for next year, where I wish everyone involved more success.”
Andy’s tenure has seen promotion both outdoors and indoors as well as being nominated for EH’s top coach in the country at the England Hockey Awards in 2023.
Chris Pearce our director of hockey spoke to us this week saying,
“Andy has had a huge impact at Southgate and his many successes speak for themselves. Promotions in indoor and outdoor, development of junior players and a commitment to the whole women’s section.
He took on the W1’s coaching role at a time of transition for the club and quickly turned the squad into a high performing outfit, winning all 18 games in the East Conference in his first season at the helm. A solid season last year has been followed with further progression of a squad that looks capable of pushing towards the top of the division.
He will be missed but he leaves the Women’s 1’s with the strongest of foundations to kick on and challenge for promotion from National Division One South to the Prem.”

Southgate celebrate winning the East Conference. Southgate v Guildford – Vitality WHL East Conference at Southgate Hockey Centre, Trent Park, London, UK on 01 April 2023.
Photo by Simon Parker/SP Action Images
Ellie Robinson has been captain across all 3 of Andy’s seasons in charge and she paid this tribute to her coach speaking on behalf of the playing squad,
“On behalf of the Women’s Performance Squad I would like to thank Andy for what has been 3 incredibly fun and successful seasons at Southgate HC.
When you came in as first team coach we had ambitions for where this talented bunch could go but felt frustrated after so many years of trying, so to reach the position we’re in now – playing at the highest level the women’s side of the club has ever competed in – is in no small part down to your belief in us and all the hard work you have put in.
You’ve helped us to create some of our favourite memories on the hockey pitch, stretched us to improve as players, and perhaps most importantly created an environment where we can support each other and enjoy playing together. We can’t thank you enough, and hope you keep coming back for a beer and some karaoke. Thank you Andy”
Speaking on behalf of the club Chairman Alastair Whatley said,
“Andy has been an inspiration to so many people in his time here at Southgate. His care and attention to detail noticeable not just with his 1st team players but extends across the whole Southgate family,
Andy has brought passion, knowledge, experience and his inimitable presence to bear in this role for 3 seasons, completing the promise he made to my predecessor Neil Murphy. He leaves the team in a fabulous place ready for his successor to take the team to the next level. On behalf of the entire Southgate community I offer my sincere thanks and appreciation for everything Andy has achieved and wish him the very best for whatever the future may hold for him and the family.”
Recruitment for a Women’s Head Coach will begin immediately led by Chris Pearce and the committee. Look out for further details in the coming weeks.