FORMER skipper Rob Lamey has returned to Bracknell Bees as a bench coach – but only on a temporary basis, writes Dave Wright.

“I retired from hockey because of work and family commitments and that hasn’t changed,” he said.

“Whether you are a coach or a player you still have to be there for the same amount of hours with long road journeys and getting back home in the early hours of the morning, and I don’t think I can do it again on a regular basis.”

Lamey made more than 150 appearances in three seasons for the Bees before announcing his playing retirement in June, 2014.

But he has stayed close to the club by coaching the Bracknell Under 9s and U11s, and has a son in each of of the squads.

“I will never be able to step away from the junior club, helping them out, because it’s great fun and less stressful with the kids ” he said.

“But a couple of weeks ago I was asked to help out when Coxy (coach Gareth Cox) was unavailable.

“December is a good month for me as the junior club closes down for a few weeks.

“I am happy to be here. The aim is to try to help the guys where I can, giving opinions from someone who is a little bit more distanced from the team.

“As I said, I am enjoying it and hopefully we can get a win while I am on the bench – because that is what I am there for.”

Bees – who lost 4-2 to Guildford Flames on Boxing Day – are home to Peterborough Phantoms today (Thursday, 8pm) and to Swindon Wildcats on New Year’s Day (6pm).