Herbert heads for a land down under

Recession and a desire to see the world continue to be driving factors for many of Ireland’s top hockey players – just ask Cork Church of Ireland’s Andrew Herbert, who recently left for pastures new in Australia.

Prior to his departure to the Melville City club in Perth, Herbert sat down with Southern Fried to explain the rationale behind his move, citing a recent incidence of being laid off as a primary motivating factor.

“With my recent job situation, I decided I’d like to move out there for a while,” explained the 24-year-old Irish international. “I said I’d look at some hockey teams, sent around a few emails, and Melville got back to me and offered me an opportunity, so I basically jumped on it. I just decided it’s my time to go.

Andy Herbert: hoping to star in his new role with Melville City HC in Perth, Australia. Picture: Adrian Boehm

“It’s a cliché, but because of the downturn, players are looking at their situation. Jobs might come first before hockey for people now, as they reassess their situation.”

Melville helped source three player sponsors for Herbert, which have helped with his flight and accommodation costs and no doubt sweetened the deal somewhat.

Having some Irish caps to his name – he made his senior debut at the Celtic Cup in 2009 – no doubt helped grease the wheels in that sense, but Herbert says he has the approval of national coach Paul Revington to make the move down under.

“He gave me very positive feedback and advised me to go,” said Herbert. “He said it was a great opportunity, especially in light of being laid off, and that he couldn’t hold me back, and he wished me luck.

“A big part of my decision was to have his blessing. I’d always have a regret if I turned my back on the Irish team, and it was something I didn’t look lightly upon.

“I think he (Revington) views people going abroad, experiencing new things and possibly playing at a higher standard than the Irish Hockey League as a positive thing. You can only become a better player as a result.”

The talented midfielder is the latest in an increasing stream of internationals trying their hand abroad. On the men’s side alone, Mitch Darling, Phelie Maguire and Eugene Magee are all based in Belgium, with Stephen Butler soon to join them.

The path down under is also well-worn; Herbert’s former C of I clubmate Jonny Bruton spent time at Fremantle last season, the club where Mick Maguire and Peter Blakeney of Three Rock Rovers also made a big impression.

Blakeney even earned a call-up to the Western Australia regional side, the SmokeFree WA Thundersticks, who compete in the Australian Hockey League, an achievement which Herbert would love to emulate.

Herbert's former C of I tesam-mate Jonny Bruton, has just returned after a year in Australia, which included a stint in Perth with Fremantle hockey. Picture: Adrian Boehm

He spoke to each of those players when making his decision, and was partially swayed by Phelie Maguire’s recommendation of the talents of coach Peter Freer, who recently pitched up at Melville following a period with Fremantle.

While acknowledging that the Melville’s's help in securing sponsorship places a certain amount of pressure on him to perform – “but that’s a challenge I’m looking forward to” – Herbert is determine to enjoy his soujourn, wherever it takes him.

He’s had a mixed start, winning his debut game 2-1 before losing 5-0 the following week. The club currently lies in mid-table, but Herbert says he’s happy to take things as he finds them.

“I’ll play until the end of the season (October) then reassess the situation, depending on what might crop up with me,” said Herbert, who has a Commerce and Italian degree, as well as a masters in Corporate Finance and Accounting, both from UCC.

“Travelling would appeal quite a lot, but I don’t think I’ll be staying in Perth. I also see myself working in London at some stage.”

And what of the side he leaves behind? Cork C of I have endured a serious turnover of top-quality players, with a trio of internationals in Herbert, Bruton and Adam Pritchard heading out the exit door in the past 12 months.

Herbert admits he’s a bit worried about the future for a side who have arguably under-achieved in national terms, given the talent at their disposal until recently.

“After every season we kinda say to ourselves, ‘hard luck, next year is our year’. And another year seems to go by… it was kind of the same this year, but people are leaving now and we (C of I) cant really say that anymore,” he explained.

“But in saying that, there’s a lot of young guys coming through. There were five or six schoolboys all pushing very hard for places this year, and often getting them.

“Also, with the youth in the club, the U15 and U16 internationals, they might still be too young for IHL, but there’s definitely something positive there.”