Susannah Townsend says she is "delighted" to be named new captain of EuroCanterbury Ladies.

Her appointment was confirmed at last week’s annual meeting, with Grace Balsdon as vice-captain.

Townsend was unable to attend, due to her international commitments ahead of the Olympics. She missed out on selection for GB's final 16, but is remaining with the squad in the build-up to the first game.

Townsend replaces club stalwart Mel Clewlow as captain and admitted: "She has done the job for 12 years and they are massive shoes to fill, but I know she will also be around to help me."

Susannah, who turns 23 next month and lives at Egerton, near Ashford, has been playing senior hockey at Polo Farm since she was 15 but has limited experience of captaincy.

She said: "I did it at school, but it’s been all about learning from others, playing a lot more, and being a leader in my own way out on the pitch.

Townsend’s own thoughts on leadership, and her affection for the club, occupied her when she spent a year playing in Belgium in 2010. She said: "I went there to work on my game, what I was doing wrong, and how I could improve. While I was away, I also realised I could never play for another club in England, and that one day I would like to captain the club."

Asked what she brings to the role, she said: "I am quite composed, and don’t allow my nerves to get the better of me. I am not the most vocal on the pitch, but lead by example."

Townsend knows that the experience of player-coach Clewlow and Jen Wilson will be there if she needs it, but said: "Mel and I have had a chat about things, defining our roles. We don’t want to be stepping on each other’s toes."

Balsdon is one of an emerging clutch of talented youngsters including Eliza Brett and Lucy Hyams, now regular members of the Premier Division squad.

Townsend said: "Grace is a great player and a great girl. We are a young team with experienced heads and are looking to the future."

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