27 years old, Alan Forsyth, is the rising star of Great Britain. The Scotsman has scored 102 goals from 179 appearances so far. Alan Forsyth, who also plays for Surbiton and Great Britain, won the prestigious UK hockey player of the year award for 2018, following the annual poll by the Hockey Writers’ Club.
GB Men’s Hockey Star
Forsyth made his senior international debut for Scotland in 2009. Alan made his senior international debut for Great Britain on 19 October 2015. Forsyth, who joined Surbiton in July 2013, won the Mercian men’s player of the year to become the first Scottish player to win the award for over ten years. Hockey is undoubtedly in his blood as he is the son of Derek Forsyth, the head coach of Scotland men’s national field hockey team.
Speaking of his Father, Alan said:
“My dad has also always been my biggest critic and always expects better but has always pushed me to be better and prove myself and help make me the player I am today. I am overwhelmed to be named player of the year.”
Alan Forsyth Using an Adidas Hockey Stick (see reviews)
With the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020, The Pro League (GB), A division (Scotland) and the Euro Hockey League with Surbiton, making it a jam packed 2020, Forsyth talked positively and excitedly saying,
“I can’t wait to get started.”
Forsyth has been the top scorer in the English men’s top league for the past three years and scored 20 goals in the 2018/19 season for Surbiton. Alan was, ‘overwhelmed’ to win the Hockey Writers Club Player of the Year. He was voted ahead of four-time winner Barry Middleton and Liam Sanford, the England defender and 2014 Higgins Youth Award winner.
Hockey definitely coursing through the family’s veins does not stop with him and his father. He said:
“My mum was a forward and scored plenty of goals so I must have her instinct. Both my mum, brother and girlfriend are my biggest supporters and no matter what will encourage me.
Alan retired from Scottish hockey in July 2019 in the run up to the Euros. An ankle injury disrupted his preparation and he thought the time was right. After so many years in the Scottish setup Forsyth is happy to have time to see family, friends and take some holidays. He said, “I’m getting married, and I can go on holidays now, so I’m looking forward to that. I’ve always used all my holidays for hockey so it will be nice to go on a long holiday somewhere. I’ll start to do some of the things I’ve missed out on. I’ve missed mates, weddings, and all sorts, so I’m looking forward to catching up and having more freedom to do things.”
Scotland Men’s Head Coach Derek Forsyth said, “David’s been a great servant to Scotland over the years. He’s represented his country at two Commonwealth Games and was part of the Gold medal winning Euros team in 2017 – fantastic achievements.
The International year did not end for Alan. He was called up for the GB Olympic qualifiers for November 2019. Taking his place in London, the goal machine carried on from where he left off helping to earn the G.B team a berth in the prestigious Tokyo Olympics. Alan hit the back of the Malaysian net four times in the two games to contribute to a 9-3 aggregate victory.
Over 100 Goals for GB Men’s Hockey team.
Alan hit a personal milestone in the triumph, notching up his 99 th and 100 th goals. Goal number 99 came in the first game, on 42 minutes. With the score at only 2-1, Forsyth received the ball at the top of the circle, twisted and stroked the ball past the keeper. It may have taken a deflection off a defender on its way to the net though it didn’t matter. With his great contributions GB went on to win 4-1.
The GB Pocket Rocket get’s his Hundredth goal
The century arrived only nine minutes into the second contest. GB were awarded a penalty stroke. Forsyth stepped up, his body language approach sent the keeper the wrong way, and the diminutive 5 ft 4 inch striker fired a low flick into the other corner of the net.
There were only four minutes left and the match was poised at a nervy 3-2. A shot from the top of the circle eluded the keeper and an unmarked Forsyth was typically in the right spot to deflect it into the net. A minute later GB were awarded another penalty. Forsyth was again assigned with the precious task of scoring and proceeded to send the keeper the wrong direction for the second time.
Watch out for the star of the GB’s men’s field hockey team’s cobra like reflexes in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 this year.
