Farewell, Foz
Billingham Stars have parted ways with Head Coach Stephen Foster after seven stellar seasons over two separate stints with the club. Foster steps down as family and work commitments take priority, with the best wishes of everyone for the future.
Never short of a few words, ‘Foz’ took the opportunity to explain his decision and pass on his thanks to everyone involved at the Stars during his time with us:
“Being Head Coach of the Billingham Stars has been a privilege and an honour. After a great deal of thought, I have made the difficult decision to step aside as I am not in a position to give the role the 100% commitment that it requires for the upcoming season.
I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together. We took a team that many expected to be competing near the bottom of the league and turned it into back-to-back league champions, winning multiple trophies and enjoying one of the most successful periods in the history of senior ice hockey in Billingham. It is a source of immense pride to know that I leave as the most successful Senior Team coach in Billingham's history. However, those achievements were never down to one person. They were only possible because of the dedication, hard work and character of the players, support staff and everyone involved with the club. It has genuinely been a pleasure to be part of that journey.
I would also like to thank the coaches I have had the pleasure of working alongside during my time with the Stars – Michael Bowman, Rob Wilkinson, Terry Ward and Richie Thornton. Their support, knowledge, friendship and commitment have played a huge part in everything we achieved together, and I am grateful for all they have contributed. I would also like to thank Allen, Brian and Terry for the support they have given me throughout my time as Head Coach. Their trust, backing and commitment to the club have been invaluable, and I am grateful for the confidence they placed in me over the years. We have shared some fantastic memories and achievements together, and I thank them for their support throughout my tenure.
To the fans, thank you for your incredible support throughout my time as Head Coach. Through the highs and the lows, you have always been there behind the team. I hope you can agree that, as well as bringing success back to Billingham, we brought exciting hockey back to the club and gave supporters a team they enjoyed watching week in, week out. I am delighted that we were able to reward your loyalty and passion with league titles, trophies and so many memorable moments along the way.
While last season did not reach the standards or expectations we set for ourselves, I have absolutely no doubt that this team has what it takes to bounce back. The talent, ability and character are all there, and I fully expect the Stars to be competing for trophies and challenging at the top where they belong once again.
Thank you once again to everyone connected with the Billingham Stars for the memories, the hard work and the success we have shared together. It has been an honour to be your Head Coach, and I wish the club, the players, the staff and the supporters every success for the future.”
Terry Ward was quick to praise Foz for the years of service he has given to the club and the success he has helped to bring:
“I want to thank Foz for all of his efforts over the years. He has dedicated himself to the cause and rewarded the club with the most silverware we have ever seen. It was with great reluctance that I accepted his request to step down, but he has a life away from hockey that must take priority. Thank you again Stephen - we all hope to see you at the rink next season watching on from the stands.”
The club will be releasing news concerning the new coaching set up in the coming days.