Kathryn Turner and Joyce Mvula will lead Manchester Thunder’s attack for the 2018 Superleague campaign.
Turner was the league’s best goal attack last season and Mvula enjoyed a successful breakthrough year following her move from native Malawi.
They will be joined in the shooting circle by Amy Clinton and new recruit Ally Thomas, who will be support for Turner at goal attack.
Head coach Karen Greig has stayed true to Thunder’s ethos and values, by blending experience with youth when selecting her squad, especially with her shooters.
Greig said: “I want to reward the players that did so well for us last season, some showed great progress throughout the season and are still desperate to learn and succeed.
“We are a franchise known for developing our own youth and I want to continue to keep that tradition.”
Greig, who goes into her second season as head coach, is looking for even more from import player Mvula, who she says ‘showed flashes of brilliance’ in her debut season in the Black and Yellow dress.
“Joyce had a steady season last year and she will come back to us fully confident with a full season behind her. I will be looking for her to show more consistency in 2018,” she said.
Former Thunder shooter Greig believes the addition of Thomas to an already well-drilled attack will help to create ‘frightening’ combinations.
She said: “Kathryn Turner was stand out the best GA in the league last season and with Amy Clinton growing all the time we have a formidable line up.
“Ally has performed well in National Premier League for Tameside for the past few years and also played for Thunder in the junior ranks so she knows what playing for Thunder is about, she will bring stability and a calmness to our unit.”
Interview by Denise Evans