FORMER Swindon Wildcats head coach Pete Russell has been appointed as the new head coach of Great Britain Men.

Russell, who is now coaching the Swindon-based Okanagan Hockey Academy, replaces Doug Christiansen.

The 40-year-old won gold with GB Under-20s last month to lead them back into Division 1B of the IIHF U20 World Championship, with a handful of Cats players including Ollie Betteridge, Callum Buglass and Floyd Taylor.

He will be assisted by Tommy Watkins and Richard Hartmann and the trio's first tournament in charge will be April's World Championship (Division 1B) in the Netherlands.

"This is the proudest moment of my hockey career and I am so thrilled to be the new head coach,” said Russell.

"My passion for GB runs deep and now to be coach of the men's side is just fantastic.

"I know so many of the GB players having coached them in the junior sides in years gone by. I know how much they care and how much they love their country.

"Becoming head coach of GB Men has always been an ambition of mine and I now want to do Great Britain proud in my time in charge.

"This is a dream come true for me and I can't wait to get going. It's a new beginning for Great Britain Men and I will select my team - one to start a new era for GB.

"I am really excited to be surrounded by a great management and coaching team in Andy Buxton, Richard Hartmann and Tommy Watkins.

"I'd like to thank Ice Hockey UK and Paul Thompson for their belief in me and the opportunity to hold one of the most prestigious jobs in sport."

Russell is Great Britain's most successful junior coach and has won four golds, one silver and two bronze medals in 11 tournaments in charge of GB U20s and GB U18s.

The Ayr-born former netminder had a successful time in charge of EPL side Slough Jets, winning the playoffs and coach of the year in 2009-10 and the EPL Cup in 2010-11 and also had spells as coach of Bracknell Bees, while Russell also worked in the Superleague with Ayr Scottish Eagles and in the Elite League with Cardiff Devils.

Paul Thompson, who assisted IHUK in the recruitment process, said: "Pete Russell has done a fantastic job as head coach with his under-20s, gaining promotion and gold.

"He has excellent planning, organisation and delegation skills. Pete has vast experience at tournament hockey and its styles and how to prepare.

"He has his finger on the pulse and is aware of every player that is available for the national team.

"Pete will bring the passion back to the programme and a recent IIHF stat proved that the head coaches from their own nation are the most successful.

"It's a new era and these talented young guys, headed by Pete, need to stamp their authority down on the programme and grow it for hopefully a positive future."