St Albans City hockey club (SAHC) have added further experience to their coaching ranks with the appointment of Adnan Zakir as head coach of their Ladies First team.

A former Pakistan international, Zakir is sure to bring a great deal of knowledge to the role as St Albans look to progress in the 2017/18 campaign.

Zakir is looking forward to getting started and was full of praise for both his new club and the players he will be working with.

He said: "I am delighted to take on the role of head coach of the Ladies First XI at such a prestigious and historic hockey club. I am really excited about the seasons ahead.

"SAHC has a very talented playing squad, with a wealth of top class experience and a fantastic crop of youngsters.

"I can't wait for pre-season to get started and to start moulding the team together."

Zakir's arrival sees him takeover from Hannah Macleod, who has been in charge of the club's senior side for three years.

Macleod, who is an Olympic gold medalist, will remain with SAHC and takes up the position of coaching consultant.

She has welcomed the appointment of Zakir and feels he will be able to continue St Albans' tradition of developing players.

Macleod said: "I am delighted St Albans are continuing to invest in high quality coaches.

"Player development at every level of the game, from juniors through to our masters internationals is at the core of the club's priorities and this is reflected in the decision to appoint Adnan for the coming season."

Club head coach, Dillet Gilkes, echoed Macleod's sentiments.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Adnan to St Albans hockey club," Gilkes said.

"He brings with him a wealth of experience, flair and charisma that will be invaluable to the club."