A major transfer coup for Holcombe has seen them land Great Britain’s Olympic hockey captain Barry Middleton.

Holcombe have a history of bringing in star players but Middleton’s arrival, on a three-year deal, is something else.

"It’s a pretty good signing really!" said club chairman David South.

"We’ve been in talks for 18 months but he had his Olympic commitments last summer and so wouldn’t have been available for much of our season.

"Those commitments aren’t as heavy now and he will be available for almost all of our league games next season. He fancies a new challenge and shares our vision."

Middleton (pictured), has taken part in the last three Olympic Games and captained Britain’s men’s team at London 2012.

Domestically, he has won four Premier League titles, for Cannock, and is now coming to the end of his contract with Dutch club HGC.

Middleton’s arrival is not going to be the last high-profile signing of the summer but Mr South was keen to stress that the new arrivals won’t affect the club’s policy on bringing through their own talent.

"Part of our progress and process is through our own junior system and bringing those players through to the first team," he said.

"Those players can learn so much and it’s not just about attracting high profile players. We need a balance.

Picture: Barry Goodwin

Read more on Holcombe and their exciting new arrival in this week's Medway Messenger newspaper.