DAVID BECKETT is confident his young Surbiton side will thrive on their new attacking style as they prepare to make the next step, to challenge for the title this season.

Surbiton reached the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Finals last April, defeating Reading to finish third as Beeston defended their title with a penalty shoot-out victory over East Grinstead.

Yet the club failed to gain a spot in this season’s Euro Hockey League as England saw its number of entrants reduced from three to two after a poor showing last year.

England and Great Britain international Beckett, from Hillingdon, is one of several key signings that signal Surbiton’s intent to secure European qualification and challenge for the title.

The 25-year-old forward is excited by his move from Cannock and the chance to help coach Todd Williams introduce a more dynamic edge to his new team.

“I was at Cannock for two years, so it was difficult to leave as I had made a lot of friends up there, but circumstances meant I had to move on,” he said.

“However, it’s fantastic to be at Surbiton and I’m really looking forward to the new season.

“There has been a big change around Surbiton, with at least five new players including myself, coming in. Todd wants to change our style of play and I think that’s possible with a young side.

“It’s a bit different from what we’ve done before. We’re looking to be more aggressive, get the ball in the D and score lots of goals.”

Surbiton face a tough start to the season as they host Reading in the opening game on September 13 before taking on fellow finalists Beeston and East Grinstead in the first four matches.

Beckett is also determined to prove his worth to the selectors ahead of the Champions Trophy in India this December.

“I believe hockey is a great spectator sport – it’s about time we got it out in the public eye and thankfully it’s starting to get there now,” he said.

“The sky is the limit with hockey in this country, especially with both the men’s and women’s sides bringing home medals from the Commonwealth Games.”

NOW: Pensions is the official sponsor of the England Men’s Hockey League. Follow @NOWhockey or go to www.nowpensions.com