Mönchengladbach Boss

As the countdown to the BDO Hockey World Cup in Germany continues, we profile Ken Read, the Tournament Director in Mönchengladbach.

Ken Read, 52, was born in Hobart, Australia, and has lived there all his life. A Barrister, he started playing hockey aged 16 when he couldn’t get a game playing for his school’s Aussie Rules football team.

The former Australia international brings a wealth of experience to the post but also enjoys a life outside hockey in a legal career, drinking red wine and fishing.

He played goalkeeper in Australia’s silver medal winning team at the first Champions Trophy in Lahore in 1978 before turning to coaching and managing the Australia men’s team at the 1996 Olympic Games.

A highly experienced judge, he has also been Tournament Director at several major events including two Champions Trophy tournaments, a Champions Challenge and the 2004 Olympic Qualifying tournament.

My greatest fear...
That National Associations fail to do all they can to accommodate the professional leagues in Holland, India etc. To ignore them or to write player contracts that attempt to prevent players earning a living in the professional leagues will see the stars lost to the game at its showcase events.

I handle disappointment...
By going to work

What I really respect in a team...
Unity displayed by a desire to work together rather than for the individual

My most embarrassing moment...
Australia's first goal at the 2005 Champions Trophy in Chennai. The organising committee had been asked to supply new nets for the goals but opted to have the net stitched by a fisherman. The inevitable happened - Jamie Dwyer's shot went into the goal through the side of the net and a goal was awarded. As TD I could not reverse the decision. I felt very sorry for the Germans. After that they had no luck at all in the tournament.

When I put my feet up...
I enjoy a good red wine and listening to music

My favourite book...
James Elroy’s American Tabloid

Who are you most proud of?
My son Ben, aged 13

If I could change one rule in hockey...
The 'looking awkward' rule. Of course it is not in the rule book but it very much exists and is used by umpires to retard development of new skills and to respond to what looks like, and may well be, a (technical) breach of the rules but which has no effect on the game.

How would your friends describe you?
'The most arrogant man in Tasmania' - to quote (Australia Olympic gold medallist) Matthew Wells

What sporting event would you pay to watch?
Olympic hockey finals and Test cricket

The best hockey match I ever saw...
Australia v Pakistan at the 1994 World Cup, in particular Shabaz v Wark. One particular run from Shabaz against the Australian tough man over 75 metres was sensational. The 2004 men's Olympic final was not too bad either!

The one piece of advice I’d give to players…
Take a risk, go for it.

I regret...
Not having played more games for my country

The person I most admire....
Michael Craig – the captain of the Australian Olympic team in 1960 is still coaching Victoria in the Australian Hockey League at age 75

What is your most recent purchase?
A fishing boat. Tasmania has a magnificent coastline with great scuba diving for crayfish, scallop and abalone. Come and visit!

Who will finish in the top three in Mönchengladbach?
Germany, Spain, Australia

My philosophy in hockey...
To do all I can to ensure that players reach their full potential