Despite revealing she is standing down as player-coach after three successful years, Jen Wilson says Canterbury Ladies’ future is bright.

The 37-year-old multi-Olympian – who played 180 times and scored 65 goals for South Africa – is leaving Polo Farm to take up the same role at ambitious Conference East side Sevenoaks.

Wilson led Canterbury to top spot and two second-placed finishes in the Investec National Premier Division.

The forward has also overseen two successful Canterbury forays into the EuroHockey Champions Cup, culminating in a fifth-placed finish in Utrecht earlier this month.

Her final game saw the city club come from behind to pip old foes Surbiton – who beat them in the previous two Investec Championship finals – and Wilson claimed: “I definitely think this is going out on a high.

“I have always said I would never enter any discussions during the season but after Europe I have had a new, exciting opportunity put to me.

“Sevenoaks are a club with huge aspirations and it’s a new challenge for me – I am excited for the opportunity.”

She added: “I would like to place on record my thanks to Canterbury for the opportunities they have afforded me. They have been three successful years with everyone, players and the club, buying into what I wanted.

“After Europe, it is probably a good time to step away. We have had a pretty strong season and there is no doubt there are exciting times ahead. The future of the club is bright.”

The King’s School coach said she hopes she leaves on good terms, adding: “I think the club are disappointed to see me go but have enjoyed how the team have performed and seeing young players come through.

“There will be no shortage of people interested in taking over there with the club being in such a strong position.”