Danny Kerry quits as GB Hockey performance director after mutiny from players

Given her extensive employment at Bisham Abbey (which has also included a brief stint as performance director from 2014-2016) and success with the women’s programme, Kerry was handed the men’s head coach role after Bobby Crutchley, now British Gymnastics’ head of performance coach development, left in 2018.

It is now understood that current men’s coach Paul Revington had withdrawn his nomination before the interview, leaving Kerry in the hot seat. Kerry quit the men’s job in early 2022 following player dissatisfaction. Revington has since transformed the men’s side, despite losing agonizingly to 10-men India in the Olympic quarter-finals.

“Dissatisfaction from the men’s team following their exit at the Tokyo Olympics led to Danny’s departure and the playing group were assured they would be consulted on who the next performance director would be,” a source said.

Kerry’s re-appointment leaves questions about how GB Hockey chiefs were unaware of initial player concerns. Telegraph Sport can reveal that both squads were asked to share stories to senior players of the gold medal-winning coach’s behavior over the years, which could then be presented to GB Hockey.

Kerry declined to comment, while one Rio Olympian, who asked not to be named, said: “The recruitment process has failed everyone as well as Danny for the position he has been put in.

“He is one of the best strategists and hockey minds in our game and was more than qualified to do the job. But no one person can be all things and he would have needed support in areas he doesn’t find easy.”

GB Hockey refused to issue a response, instead referring to its original statement last month.

“Everyone at England and Great Britain Hockey wishes him (Kerry) well for the future,” GB Hockey had said.

“The sport’s focus remains on both GB teams competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. “Further information on the future recruitment process of the England and GB Hockey performance director will follow after the Paris Olympics has completed.”

Following GB’s two quarter-final exits in Paris – the first time no medals have been won since Beijing 2008, after three successive women’s returns – GB Hockey will now be sweating on Los Angeles 2028 funding allocation from UK Sport.

The Olympics is the only time Great Britain competes in major tournaments, other than the FIH Pro League in Olympic year, which could help their case.