New boy David Beckett is confident his young Surbiton side will thrive on their new attacking style as they prepare to make the next step to challenge for the title this season, writes Jack Skelton.

Surbiton reached the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Finals last April, defeating Reading to finish third as Beeston defended their title with a penalty shoot-out victory over East Grinstead.

Yet the club failed to gain a spot in this season’s Euro Hockey League as England saw its number of entrants reduced from three to two after a poor showing last year.

England and Great Britain international Beckett is one of several key signings that signal Surbiton’s intent to secure European qualification and challenge for the title.

And the 25-year-old forward insisted he is excited by his move from Cannock and the chance to help coach Todd Williams’ men become more dynamic.

“I was at Cannock for two years so it was difficult to leave as obviously I made a lot of friends up there, but circumstances meant I had to move on,” he said.

“However it’s fantastic to be at Surbiton now and I’m really looking forward to the new season, which I think we’re shaping up well for.

“There has been a big change around at Surbiton with at least five new players including myself coming in. Todd wants to change our style of play and I think that’s possible with a young side.

“It’s a bit different from what we’ve done before as we’re looking to be more aggressive, get the ball in the D and score lots of goals and hopefully play some exciting hockey.

“It’s a case this year of getting back in those playoffs and trying to push for the top two places to get those European spots and maybe even win the league.”

Surbiton face a tough start to the season as they host Reading in the opening game on September 13 before taking on fellow finalists Beeston and East Grinstead in the first four matches.

Beckett admitted he is particularly relishing such high profile ties and after missing out on selection to England’s Commonwealth Games squad, he is out to prove his worth to the selectors ahead of the Champions Trophy in India this December.

“I believe hockey is a great spectator sport – it’s about time we got it out in the public eye and thankfully it’s starting to get there now,” he said.

“The next aim for me is to push for that Champions Trophy squad by showing the coaching staff what I’m capable of doing here at Surbiton.”

NOW: Pensions is the official sponsor of the England Men’s Hockey League. Follow @NOWhockey or go to nowpensions.com