The Angling Trust has chosen its squad for the world number 1 ranked Preston Innovations England Feeder team that will head to Belgium to compete in the 11th Feeder Fishing World Championship.
The competition was originally to be staged in Ukraine, but as a consequence of the ongoing war, FIPS-ed announced on the 3rd March the championship would be moved to Belgium. Ukraine will instead host the world championship in 2023.
The competition will be held instead on the Maasplas near Gestingen on the 8th and 9th October 2022.
The England team includes 3 of the World’s top 5 ranked individuals, and will consist of Mick Vials (captain), Steve Ringer, Lee Kerry, Rob Wootton, Adam Wakelin and Will Freeman. Will comes into the squad in place of Phil Ringer. Dean Barlow will once again manage the team, Jamie Harrison has been appointed as assistant manager and Graham West has been included in the squad to support Eddie Bridon with bankside duties.
England team manager Dean Barlow said “We were all disappointed with the performance and result in France last year. Collectively we recognise we need to improve in certain areas if we are to return to podium in 2022. I believe match fitness and sharpness is key to improving our chances and I have asked the guys to be more active in their match fishing so we can arrive in Belgium at the top of our game, this is reflected in the team I have selected.
“It was an incredibly difficult decision to leave Phil out of the squad. Phil has been integral to the success of the team over a number of years and we are hugely grateful for his contribution. The door is never closed for an angler of Phil’s quality and I’m sure there will be opportunities in the future for Phil return to the team.”
England will be looking to add to the twelve medals they have collected in ten championships and maintain their position as the number one ranked team in the world. Newly appointed captain Mick Vials is aware that other nations will be looking to dethrone the number one ranked England side.
“After the difficult last two years through the pandemic and the terrible recent events in Ukraine myself and the rest of the squad are chomping at the bit to travel out to what sounds like a fantastic natural Stillwater venue linked from the local waterway system,” said Mick.
As part of the teams plan for success and with little known about the newly selected MAASPLAS GEISTINGEN lake on the Belgian Dutch border the team will travel out for an additional reconnaissance mission in preparation for the championships.
Vials added: “We will be looking to get back the form we have produced in the past decade, I know that the lads, myself and the management team will go the extra mile to produce a plan that will hopefully see us return to that much coveted world stage podium.”
Angling Trust CEO Jamie Cook said “Thanks to the long term support of Preston Innovations the feeder team have delivered both individual and team success which has inspired angler across the country. Dean has picked an incredibly strong team and has formulated a plan which we are confident will bring further international success.”
Preston Innovations Brand Manager Robbie Griffiths said “We are really looking forward to another year supporting the England Feeder team and are sure that Dean and the teams hard work and dedication will see them back in amongst the medals this year. I know the team will be rearing to go after considerable disruption over the last two years during the Covid pandemic, myself and everyone else at Preston Innovations wishes them all the best for this year’s event.”
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