Team GB men’s hockey head coach Jason Lee says his side has exceeded expectations in their preparation for London 2012.

Team GB - featuring Surbiton Hockey Club's James Tindall, Rob Moore and Matt Daly, plus Wimbledon Hockey Club's Ben Hawes - start their campaign when they play Argentina on Monday.
 

Speaking at a press conference at Team GB House in Stratford yesterday highlighted the impressive progress they have made during the last six months.


“I’m feeling really quite confident. I think we’re a little bit better than I hoped we would be six months ago in terms of the standard we’re playing at,” he said.
“As a consequence I’m really excitedly looking forward to the first game, as opposed to nervously looking forward to it.”
 

Lee also spoke of the importance of each of his players recognising the significance of a home Games, and how it was an important step in their individual careers.
 

“Elite sport doesn’t stop at the end of this Olympics,” he said.

“It goes on the day after that and I’m hopeful that every one of my group realises that it’s part of their life journey, and that they make the most of what they do now.

I haven’t seen any sign that anyone isn’t  focused on doing their very best.”
 

Captain Barry Middleton, who will be attending his third Olympic Games at the age of 28, praised the experience and togetherness within the squad.
 

“We have a lot of experienced players in our group so it’s not always just me who says things,” he said.
 

“People just know the right time to say things and with competitions like the Olympics, there isn’t a lot that needs to be said.

"A lot of it comes from the heart and we’ll go with the flow, but there’s not too much left to say now.”