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 versatility and cover at the goal attack position.
Ali Thomas is back for her second season and joins a strong shooting circle, she will be looking to impress Greig and push for more court time this time round.
Starting tomorrow (Saturday) at Super 10 in Birmingham, two of the training partners will be selected to join the 10 registered players for each Superleague game.
The training partners complete Thunder’s 2019 team. The full squad is:
Core Squad:
- Rebekah Airey
- Kerry Almond
- Eleanor Cardwell
- Amy Carter
- Emma Dovey
- Liana Leota
- Laura Malcolm
- Joyce Mvula
- Caroline O’Hanlon
- Kathryn Turner
Training Partners:
- Amelia Hall
- Paige Kindred
- Maria McAndrew
- Elia McCormick
- Ally Thomas
Coaching Team:
- Karen Greig, Director of Netball & Head Coach
- Gabrielle Towell, Assistant Coach
- Dan Ryan, Assistant Coach
- Phil Thomas, Team Manager
