Simon Anderson has been appointed new team coach at Oxford City Stars.

A former player with Stars, he succeeds player-coach Ken Forshee, who was unable to halt a run of 12 games without a win in the Southern Division 1 of the English National League.

Team directors, Elaine Sutcliffe and John Harrison, are hoping the change will revitalise the team and turn their disappointing season around.

They are third-from-bottom in the table, only three points above the sole relegation spot.

Stars said in a statement: “Simon was recommended to us and it is clear that he is passionate about hockey at Oxford.

“He has a long, successful coaching history and brings a lot of experience.

“Simon is determined to see the team reach the play-offs.”