CAPTAIN Carl Parkes believes relegation could prove a blessing in disguise for Clacton Hockey Club.

The Seasiders finished second from bottom in East Men's League division three south, following a heavy 8-1 defeat at the hands of Saffron Walden last Saturday.

They are now awaiting confirmation of what division they will be in next season, depending on promotions and relegations elsewhere.

But if the club does go down, Parkes insists it would not be the end of the world.

"We'd probably benefit from being relegated, rather than fighting around the bottom end of the league for another season," he said.

"Players that did not feel they could commit to playing in division three - preferring instead to play second-team hockey and securing a very healthy position for our newly-promoted team in division five - are more likely to push themselves.

"It's been a tough season.

"Initially, we had the same solid squad as last season and Tom Sinclair returning after his cricketing tour of Australia.

"But then we had a number of injuries that meant key players for the last few seasons were out for the whole year - Michael Hook, Russell Measor and John Hambrook.

"That, along with the usual availability problem we have when it comes to running two sides, meant we were begging people to make up nine or ten players to travel to the likes of Wapping and Saffron Walden.

"The critical game of the season was at bottom team Thurrock.

"Losing that game, with a less than confident performance, and then having to beat the top three sides was demoralising."

Despite the disappointment this season, Parkes says there have been rays of sunshine - not least the performances of some of the club's young players.

He was particularly praiseworthy of Henry Smith, Jack Blackbourn, Kieron Parkes, Ryan Nippress and Robert Hawes.

"Henry has made the step up to the first team and is a regular with a great attitude and energy and he keeps possession well," said Parkes.

"Jack has stepped into stalwart keeper Michael Hook's pads.

"He has grown as a keeper but needs to understand that conceding goals is a whole team thing.

"I expect him to grow in confidence when he stops being overcritical of himself.

"Kieron has grown immensely and is a strong, determined and confident player, as well as a leader on the pitch, despite his age.

"Ryan has been a godsend in the second half of the season, making the journey back from Salisbury to ensure we had enough numbers, while Robert is showing his great potential."