We are delighted to announce that Mr James Duthie has been elected as our new President. He replaces Mr Richard Beechener, who has retired from the role after serving for 8 years.
James joined Southgate in 1978 and was part of our 1st XI that won our third Gold Medal that year, making it a hat-trick and thus meaning we could keep the European Cup in perpetuity – a UK record that remains to this day.
James has won over 100 caps for GB and England and won a bronze medal at the Los Angeles Olympics and was appointed as the National Coach to the GB team for the Atlanta Olympics.
As a long serving club member, James has served the club in a number of capacities, including coaching the Women’s teams for some 14 years and was instrumental in gaining their entry into the National League.
James has said of his appointment, “I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been asked to be the next President of our great club. This recognition means a great deal to me, not only as an individual but as someone who has long admired the spirit, camaraderie and sporting excellence that defines Southgate Hockey Club.”
Southgate has a proud history, and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute to our club’s ongoing legacy. I am excited to work alongside all of Southgate’s members to further the success and community spirit that make our club so special.”
James’s family have all played hockey at the club; his wife Susy was instrumental in setting up Women’s hockey within the club and went on to become their 1st XI captain. Both daughters, Ella and Rhianna play at Southgate.
James, however, is not the first President to have played for Southgate, that honour went to Sammy Saville in 1945, who also played for GB and went on to become President of the Hockey Association.
James Duthie of Great Britain and Andreas Keller of West Germany race for the ball during the semi final match of the Men’s Field Hockey event between West Germany and Great Britain at Weingart Stadium during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, United States on 9th August 1984. West Germany would go on to win the match 1 – 0.