2019 Squad

Thunder name training partners to complete 2019 line-up

Manchester Thunder have completed their squad for the 2019 season signing five training partners for the new Vitality Netball Superleague campaign. Altrincham-based defender Paige Kindred returns after a season at the now defunct Team Northumbria, offering versatility to the squad as she covers all defensive positions. 18-year-old Elia McCormick shores up the defence and looks a great prospect for the future after strong displays in preseason. The feisty defender is a pathway success story and has impressed head coach Karen Greig enough to give her a shot in the Superleague this season. Oldham stalwart Maria McAndrew is back in the fold after a five year break from Superleague. The wing attack’s last campaign saw her take away a winners medal as she was part of the 2012 championship winning squad. Joining her in the centre court is youngster Amelia Hall, who makes the step up from the youth ranks. Hall was also part of the U21 winning squad in 2018 and also offers ... More

Season Preview 2019

By Denise Evans Another Superleague season is almost upon us. Players are back in pre-season training and many familiar faces will return to play in the Black and Yellow dress for another year. And while we've said goodbye to some during the off-season, we have also welcomed back others into the Thunder family. Let's take a look at the squad, which players could be set to shine and who will be wanting to end their Thunder career by lifting the Superleague trophy. Don't forget you can meet them at our Season Launch Day, including a pre-season friendly with Loughborough Lightning, on Saturday 17 November. Buy tickets here >> The Superleague Squad There's 10 players in Thunder's 2019 Superleague squad, with five additional training partners yet to be announced, two of which will be selected for each match day squad. Defence Kerry Almond, Emma Dovey, Rebekah Airey Thunder stalwarts Dovey and Almond return to the fold, with young England defender ... More

Liana Leota returns to complete Thunder’s 2019 Superleague squad

Manchester Thunder have signed New Zealand star Liana Leota to complete their 10-strong 2019 squad. The centre-courter will play for the Black and Yellows for a fourth season, after first joining the club in 2015. The former Silver Fern, 33, has been instrumental in helping Thunder qualify for the play-offs in every one of her seasons with the club. Her performances have earned her a place on the Superleague All-Star VII team for the past two years. "I'm really excited about the season ahead," Leota said. "I think we've got an awesome team. "Stay tuned for a big ticket announcement next week." Manchester Thunder managing director Debbie Hallas said: "Liana was one of the first players we wanted to secure for next season, her play-making and breath-taking skills show she is one of the best wing attacks in the business. Not only that, her experience and leadership skills make her a vital member of the team. "We are looking forward to seeing what she can do ... More

Kerry Almond returns for 11th and final season

Experienced Manchester Thunder defender Kerry Almond will be back in Thunder colours in 2019 - for the final time. The goal keeper will hang up her Black and Yellow dress at the end of the season after more than a decade playing for the club at senior level. Almond has been the heartbeat of Thunder's defence throughout that time and has played a key role in both championship-winning seasons in 2012 and 2014. The 32-year-old, who is one of the most experienced players in the Superleague, said: "I'm going to be back for my 11th and final season in Thunder colours next season. "I'm looking forward to getting started, starting with the Fast5 All-Stars at the weekend. "Hope to see you all in 2019!" Debbie Hallas, Manchester Thunder managing director, said: "We are pleased have Kerry back for another season. "She is such an important member of our squad and her experience and knowledge is second to none. "We plan to make sure she goes out on a high, by winning ... More

Jump for Joyce! Mvula back in Manchester

Manchester Thunder have secured Malawi shooter Joyce Mvula for the 2019 Superleague season. Mvula has committed to the Black and Yellows for a third season. The 24-year-old will be Thunder's import player for the campaign, after impressing in her first two seasons. Mvula, who won two awards at the Thunder 2018 Awards ceremony, including Players' Player of the Year, said: "I can't wait to come back to play in front of the best crowd in the Superleague. "This is going to be OUR season!" Debbie Hallas, Manchester Thunder managing director, said: "We are delighted Joyce will be playing for us again next season. "She really grew in confidence in 2018 and I can't wait to see what she can bring in 2019." More

Emma Dovey returns as Thunder Captain

Experienced Manchester Thunder defender Emma Dovey has signed up to play for the Black and Yellows in 2019. Dovey, 27, will lead Thunder in her third season as captain. The Lancashire-born player's form in recent Superleague seasons has earned her a call-up to the England Roses Fast5 World Series squad, with the tournament taking place in Australia at the end of the month. Dovey, who has played at Thunder for her whole senior career, took over the captaincy from Sara Bayman in 2016. She said: "I'm back again! I'm really looking forward to this season, my third as captain. "I'm looking forward to playing again with some of our old faces and hope to see you all down at Belle Vue, our new home arena." Manchester Thunder managing director Debbie Hallas said: "We were keen to get Emma back in the Thunder dress for next season as her experience and leadership is a vital component in making the squad gel together. "She's been loyal to Thunder for so long and I'm sure the ... More

Thunder sign Rebekah Airey from Loughborough Lightning

Manchester Thunder have signed young England defender Rebekah Airey from Loughborough Lightning. The versatile 22-year-old, who can play at goal keeper, goal defence and wing defence, joins the Black and Yellows as the club aims to bolster their defensive unit. Airey, who is part of the England Futures Programme, joins Thunder following a spell at Loughborough Lightning. Manchester Thunder managing director Debbie Hallas said: "It's great to have Rebekah on board to add more depth to our already experienced defensive end. "She's keen and eager to get going in training and is up for the challenge for fighting for a starting place. "Bekah is hungry for success and Thunder is the right place for her to be for that." Check out what Rebekah had to say about joining Thunder when we fired some questions over to her... You're moving from Lightning to Thunder, what was the main reason behind the switch? RA: I had a great time at Lightning but it was time for me ... More

Young star Amy Carter becomes fifth Thunder signing

Amy Carter has signed a two-year contract, keeping her at Manchester Thunder until 2020. The 19-year-old had a breakthrough season in the Black and Yellow dress in 2018, putting in a number of Player of the Match performances for the senior side. Carter, who is currently studying medicine at university, was also named u21 Coaches' Player the Year. The centre-courter capped off a successful season, personally, with a call-up to the England Roses Fast5 squad. Amy said: "I'm really pleased to sign for the next two seasons with Thunder. "I really want to push on, make the final and win the whole thing this year. "I'm looking forward to seeing all the brilliant Thunder fans out there again next season." Manchester Thunder managing director Debbie Hallas is pleased to have a young talent commit her future to Thunder. "Amy Carter has already been with the club for a number of years and we have watched her develop into a fine young player," Debbie said. "She had a ... More

KT returns for 10th season

Kathryn Turner will return to Manchester Thunder for a tenth season. The goal attack, who first joined Thunder in her early teens, has signed up for the 2019 Superleague season, signalling a decade at the top level of domestic netball in the UK. The Liverpudlian, 25, joins already-announced Ellie Cardwell in the shooting circle, who also rose through the youth ranks with the Black and Yellows. It's been a colourful career in the Thunder dress for Turner, and she is ready to challenge for the Superleague title once again, which would be her third with the team. Kathryn said: "I'm really looking forward to my tenth season at Thunder and seeing all the fans at Belle Vue. "Let's make it another great year." Turner has enjoyed a stellar couple of seasons with Thunder and has been named in the Superleague All-Star team of the Season for the last two years. Thunder managing director Debbie Hallas is delighted to have such an experienced shooter back on board for another ... More

Caroline O’Hanlon back in black and yellow

Caroline O'Hanlon has signed a contract at Manchester Thunder for a second season. The Northern Ireland captain will stay in the Black and Yellow dress for the 2019 campaign. She is the third signing to be announced by Thunder, following the return of Laura Malcolm and Ellie Cardwell from Severn Stars. Centre O'Hanlon, 34, was the real engine room of Thunder's centre court last season and was a key player in seeing the club reach the play-offs. O'Hanlon said: "I'm really delighted to sign for Thunder again this season. "Last season didn't quite last as long as we would have liked, so I'm hoping we can go all the way this year and I can't wait to get going. "Hopefully see you all at Belle Vue." Thunder are set to announce the rest of their 2019 Superleague squad over the coming weeks, ahead of the Fast5 tournament in October. Manchester Thunder managing director Debbie Hallas said: "Having someone with Caroline's experience back on board for the 2019 season ... More