Strategic coach Daran Cass has unveiled a major new approach as to how Ashford Hockey Club will operate.

Former player Cass, ladies’ coach at Ball Lane for several years, was confirmed in his new role last week, alongside former Wales international Huw Stevens, in a new coaching set-up.

Writing in an open letter to club members, Cass outlined his vision for the future, involving a “new infrastructure and an overhaul of the club’s approach to team ethos and the development of our players.”

He added: “We will be in a transition phase for the next two to three years, sustaining the development of the club.

“It will involve creating a player development pathway, identifying the correct progression from the juniors to the first team.”

Stevens, who takes over as elite performance coach at Kent College at Canterbury in September, has been working recently at a Junior Regional Performance Centre at Tonbridge School. He also worked at Ashford School earlier this year.

The 26-year-old former midfielder won 10 caps for Wales.He was forced to retire from playing due to injury and is waiting on an cartilage transplant in his left knee.

Stevens will continue in his role as assistant coach at Canterbury where his father, David, is team manager,

He said: “I have immersed myself in coaching and excited about being involved in what is a long-term project at Ashford.”