Three-time Superleague winner Kerry Almond returns to court for the 2021 Vitality Netball Superleague season. Manchester Thunder begin their campaign on Friday night against Strathclyde Sirens, live on Sky Sports Mix and streaming on a channel YouTube Sky Sports, from 6.45pm.
Last updated: 10/02/21 4:18 pm
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Kerry Almond’s last game for the Manchester Thunder was their 2019 Grand Vitality Netball Superleague Grand final
Kerry Almond’s last game for the Manchester Thunder was their 2019 Grand Vitality Netball Superleague Grand final
Kerry Almond has retired to answer the Manchester Thunder call ahead of the 2021 Netball Vitality Netball Superleague season.
The defender, who has won the tournament three times before, will return after Malawian defender Loreen Ngwira withdrew.
It was announced on Wednesday, just days before the start of the new season, that Ngwira has been ruled out of the 2021 season for medical reasons and will return home to be with her family.
“Indeed, we are disappointed to lose Loreen at such a crucial time in the start of the season. We wish her every success and a safe journey home,” said Karen Greig, Manchester Thunder’s webmaster at the time.
“However, we need to act fast now and try to find another one to continue our quest to retain the Vitality Netball Superleague title.”
As a result of the franchise’s quick work they looked at Almond, who had been back training with them as a companion supporting the rest of the squad.
“I know. I said that was it and I wasn’t going to be back to my temple, but I can’t stay away,” Almond said. “It’s been difficult for so many of us to play netball over the last year, and I hate not being part of a team.
“So when Karen asked if I would consider returning to the squad for another season playing in black and yellow, it was impossible to say no – especially since I know I would. so many of our fans have nothing to do with being back together on the court. “
Almond’s last match for the Manchester Thunder was the Vitality Netball Superleague final in 2019. On that day, Thunder performed exceptionally well against the Netball Wasps and the experienced defender believes they can reach one height in 2021.
“Over the last few weeks, I’ve seen almost the work being done in training and I’m sure we can defend our title,” she said.
“It will be weird if our fans aren’t there to take us forward, but I know you’ll be at home watching us and your support from your sofa will guide us. “
Neville was thrilled to develop as Thunder’s coach and individual
Tracey Neville is looking forward to developing as a coach and as a person as she returns to elite-level netball after her maternity leave.
Greig, who also has Tracey Neville back in the ranks as specialty coach and director of performance operations, said she was thrilled that Almond had answered her call.
“If you have to replace a player so close to the start of the season, you couldn’t ask anyone better than Kerry to finish the squad,” said a webmaster.
“She’s in good shape and looks like she’s never been gone. Like me, and so many of our players, Kerry grinds black and yellow so I’m on delighted to be back with us for season 20.1. We can all be ‘waiting to step out on the court this weekend. “
Thunder will launch their Superleague Vitality Netball 2021 campaign on Friday night. They will be runners-up in court at Wakefield and will take Strathclyde Valley.
The competition will be live Sky Sports Mix from 6.45pm and will be able to be watched by UK and Irish viewers via streaming on Sky Sports’ YouTube channel.
Sky Sports is your home of online football. The Vitality Netball Superleague returns Friday at 4.45pm on Sky Sports Mix, with a 10-game weekend. All competitions will be shown across Sky Sports, Sky Sports YouTube channel or England Netball YouTube channel.