Jen Wilson has been appointed head coach of Canterbury Ladies just days after leaving Ashford Hockey Club.

The 34-year-old South Africa international parted company with the Ball Lane club following the team’s relegation from South League Premier 2.

Wilson, who replaces Nick Clark at Polo Farm, said: “I am quite reluctant to say too much about leaving Ashford.

“I would have liked to have continued. In my experience in situations like that (relegation), you have to work and train harder and hope to jump straight back. If something is not right, fix it and make it better.”

“I had a fantastic time working at Ashford. They are a great club but it was time for me and them to move on.”

Wilson served Ashford while also playing for Canterbury, having joined the Polo Farm club in 2003.

She said: “I am excited and honoured to be appointed and it is a fantastic opportunity at a wonderful club working with a wealth of talented players.”