Everyone at Team Bath Netball is delighted at today’s news that former Blue & Gold Head Coach and player Jess Thirlby has been announced as Tracey Neville’s successor as England Netball Head Coach.
Thirlby, who left the Blue & Gold this summer after 20 years of outstanding service as both player and coach, takes on the role just days after the Roses won bronze at the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool.
She is no stranger to the international stage having played for England and coached them at every level from U17 through to the senior squad.
Team Bath Netball Head Superleague Coach Anna Stembridge, who has worked alongside Thirlby for both club and country, says England have made a great choice.
“I am obviously absolutely delighted that Jess has been made Head Coach at such a critical point of the Roses’ journey, following the gold-medal success at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the buzz and legacy of a home World Cup,” said Stembridge, who was England Head Coach from 2011 to 2015.
“England will be looking to continue getting great results and building on those successes but also nurture, develop and integrate an exciting group of young, upcoming netballers into the squad. Jess certainly has the skill set and experience to meet both of those demands.
“Jess is one of my closest friends and I am absolutely super chuffed for her, as we all are at Team Bath.”
Courtesy of the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight
