Canterbury Ladies head coach Ian Jennings has confirmed his departure from Polo Farm.

Jennings (pictured), the former England under-18 and under-21 coach, says his departure was due to "a matter of finances" and he will now take up a directorship and coaching role closer to home at Guildford Hockey Club.

He said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Canterbury and there is certainly no animosity in my departure. I wish them all the best."

The club were unable to confirm his replacement this week.

Meanwhile, Ross Gilham-Jones has been appointed captain of England’s men’s under-18 side.

The Canterbury youngster, last season’s Young Player of the Year, skippered the country in a three-Test match series against Germany in Krefeld earlier this month.

He was in Cork last weekend leading the side to runners-up spot in the Home Nations Championship against Wales, Scotland and Ireland.