Potter retires from international game

Hockey

Jon Potter, probably England's finest player, yesterday announced his retirement from the international game after a record 234 appearances for England and Great Britain. With Hounslow, he has won just about every honour in the club game including a European Cup winners' medal.

Potter, a marketing manager, moved to Prague earlier this year with his company and had intended to continue playing for his country with a fourth Olympics appearance, in Atlanta, as his target. But he has found that the demands of the job have exceeded his expectations.

Potter has been virtually an ever-present for his country since his first cap in 1983. His last appearance was as captain in the World Cup in Sydney last December. In between he has played in three World Cups, winning a silver medal in 1986, as well as the Olympics, in which he has won gold and bronze medals.

Ric Charlesworth, the former Australian captain, described Potter yesterday as "cool, calm and confident - a player you would build your side around, a truly great player and a great loss to the game".

David Whitaker, the coach, said: "Jon has been an exceptional player for both England and Great Britain ever since his first international tournament in Amstelveen in the 1983 European Cup. He was recognised around the world as an outstanding performer. His contribution to our game at the highest level has been enormous whether it is measured by caps or playing standards."