DARREN Cheesman is the first big signing for East Grinstead as they plan their assault on Europe in 2011.

The reigning national champions are determined to make the Euro Hockey League finals and Cheesman's return is the first step towards that dream.

And more signings could be in the pipeline after a close season which has seen players from across the world approach Grinstead.

"It's a nice problem to have, but at the same time we have been talking to players we are keen to see join us," said manager Matt Jones.

Cheesman, a former England Hockey Young Player of the Year, is returning to Saint Hill having worked his way into the GB team.

Selected for the recent Four Nations Tournament he was unable to take his place due to family commitments, but said he is determined to play a major role for his country and is hopeful of playing at the 2012 Olympics.

"I am delighted to be back at Grinstead. I have been following their achievements in the 18 months I've been away, and I am not at all surprised at what they are doing," said Cheesman, 24.

"You could see this was bubbling away when I was here, and every year it has just got better."

Cheesman believes working with other internationals in the squad will help his own game.

"Players like Mark Pearn and Glenn Kirkham are just the type of people you need on your side. I am so looking forward to the new season."

Kirkham, already part of the England and GB structure, heads for the Champions Trophy this week ahead of the Commonwealth Games in October, again linking up with Ashley Jackson, who plays for Grinstead during the indoor season where they are also national champions.

Jones said Cheesman's return is the first piece of the club's jigsaw to form a squad of the highest calibre to defend their back-to-back National League titles and continue to fly the flag in the Euro Hockey League, the sport's equivalent of football's Champions League.

"Darren is an extremely likeable young man, a mercurial player whose speed and athleticism will bring a huge amount to the Grinstead squad," Jones added.

The club also has a blossoming younger set-up from which U16 and U18 players are knocking on the door for a first team place.

Jones is likely to be meeting a number of potential signings over the next few weeks as the squad comes together.

"Success works in our favour and we deliver which is why we have been talking to a number of players with equally successful track records with a view to them hopefully joining us," he said.

"There is a great deal more we still want to achieve."

Grinstead resume training on August 12 ahead of a run of friendlies at home leading up to the season opener on Sunday, September 19.