In the last hour, it has just been announced that maver-backed talent, ex-intermediate World Champion and regular Pole Fishing contributer, Callum Dicks, will be joining the Drennan Team England squad for the FIPSed Senior World Championship in Croatia on 13th and 14th of September this year.
Joining Callum in the team is: Will Raison, Alan Scotthorne, Sean Ashby, Des Shipp and Steve Hemmingray. Joint Managers are Mark Downes and Mark Addy.
Speaking to Pole Fishing, Callum said “It has been my lifelong ambition to represent England at senior international level, words can’t describe how overwhelmed I am!
“I couldn’t have done this without the help of so many people. My dad, Paul, is my angling hero and I can’t thank him enough. I’m also lucky to be part of the mighty Daiwa Dorking team, and all the members have helped me progress over the years, in particular Will Raison who’s offered me guidance throughout. Lots of appreciation also goes out to my sponsor, Maver UK, too.
“The fishing in Croatia sounds exciting – with big bream and barbel the target on the pole! I’ll be getting plenty of practice in on the River Wye before hand, and preparation has already began – bring it on!”
Huge congratulations to Callum on making the squad from the pole Fishing team!
Mark Downes commented on Callum’s call-up: “Callum performed brilliantly last week in the European Championship in Belgium. He works hard at his sport and despite his age shows an amazing amount of confidence, technical ability and watercraft.
“I have watched Callum develop in recent seasons since leaving the Under 23s International scene, and I am confident he is the first of a new generation of top class youngsters who are emerging onto the full international match scene who will make up the England team for years to come.
“Already well traveled with podium places in Italy, France and Belgium, he is a great all-rounder and I am sure he will be an asset to the team especially by keeping the old hands on their toes.”
“This year left myself and Mark Addy with one of the most difficult decisions we’ve ever had to make - to leave out Steve Gardener. Steve has had an amazingly long and prolific International career and has played a major part in building Team England's success. However, we now feel that the time is right to give the next generation the chance to develop a career. We both wish to thank Steve for all of the hard work he has applied to the team over the 13 years we have been managers. He has played a huge roll in helping us secure six gold medals during that time! Well done Steve.”
Dick Clegg, OBE, and International Events Manager commented: “Steve Gardener has been left out of the squad to compete in Croatia this year after 27 successive years since he was first selected by myself in 1987. That year England won in Portugal and Steve has been part of 11 more gold medal winning teams since then. It is not difficult for me to summarise what Steve's contribution to the team has been in all those years. Dedication, team spirit, ability, professionalism and above all his willingness to put team success before individual glory are thing he should be proud of. He has been the ultimate team professional!”
“Mark Downes and Mark Addy feel that to continue with their tremendous winning record then changes need to be made, and unfortunately Steve will have to stand down to make way for the youth. It must have been particularly difficult to make a decision to leave him out, but I totally agree with their reasoning, although I sympathise tremendously with Steve.
“I personally would like to thank Steve Gardener for being part of England's winning formula and congratulate him on 27 years as a member of the World’s most successful coarse fishing team.”
Thanks to Pole fishing for this latest breaking news