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Lambert retires from Kookaburras

 

Lambert retires from Kookaburras

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AOC
Lambert retires from Kookaburras

Kookaburras goalkeeper Stephen Lambert has announced his retirement from international hockey.

Lambert originally loomed likely to continue on following the 2008 Beijing Olympics after he was selected in coach Ric Charlesworth’s 2009 national squad following the 2009 Australian Hockey League.

Kookaburras goalkeeper Stephen Lambert has announced his retirement from international hockey.

Lambert originally loomed likely to continue on following the 2008 Beijing Olympics after he was selected in coach Ric Charlesworth’s 2009 national squad following the 2009 Australian Hockey League.

After not playing in the Kookaburras test matches against the Netherlands or Belgium earlier in the year, Lambert returned to play for Queensland at the AHL.

Although originally planning to return to the Kookaburras following their recent European tour in which he did not compete, Lambert has decided to retire.

“My commitment to the training and the program had waivered. I think the program which has been set out is a very good one and if I wasn’t committed to the program and the direction it was heading it wasn’t fair on the group,” said Lambert.

Lambert, who is married to former Hockeyroos defender Angie Lambert who retired following the Beijing Olympics, said that he is confident the Kookaburras are on the right track under coach Ric Charlesworth.

“If the program set out by Ric is followed I have no doubt the Kookaburras will be successful at both the 2009 Champions Trophy and 2010 World Cup. I would like to thank all the coaches and people involved with Hockey Australia throughout my career and wish everyone success in the coming years,” said Lambert.

Coach Ric Charlesworth said that although he was disappointed to have lost Lambert, he understood his decision.

“Obviously I am disappointed. He represents a level of experience and I was hoping the excitement of next year’s World Cup would encourage him to continue. However I think the prospect of relocating to Perth and the level of training required influenced his decision,” said Charlesworth.

In positive news for Charlesworth, the process of blooding the teams next number one goalkeeper is already well underway, with new comers Ross Meadows and George Bazeley gaining valuable experience throughout the year whilst Nathan Burgers has remained in the squad.

“We are glad that we have been introducing a number of players to that position. It is an area that requires attention and there is now a chance for someone to step up,” said Charlesworth.

Hockey Australia

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