Manchester Thunder have announced three players for the 2017 Vitality Netball Superleague season – you can read their full press release below:
Kathryn Turner and Gabriella Marshall will remain with the Black and Yellows, while promising young England defender Bea Skingsley joins the squad from Yorkshire Jets.
Goal attack Turner has been a key player in the Thunder set up for a number of seasons, with her consistency and ability to adapt her game for her differing shooting partners becoming an integral part of her game.
Thunder head coach Karen Greig says Turner’s experience despite still being so young sets her apart from the rest.
She said of the Liverpudlian: “Kathryn has been a real stalwart of the Thunder squad and not many people realise how young she still is but with lots of experience under her belt, she will be key for us in our attack end and I am hoping she will continue to show the class she oozed in last years’ final. Her accurate shot and excellent timing within the circle will be areas that we will continue to build around.”
England u21 captain Marshall has thrived since making the step up from the Thunder NPL team and is sure to make a real impact in the centre court, in the absence of departing captain Sara Bayman.
“Gabs is Thunder through and through,” says Greig, who has worked with Marshall since she was 12.
“Gabby is ready to step up to the helm and make a real name for herself in the Superleague.
“She has the ability to take her opponent out of the game and come up with intercepts at crucial times, she showed a flash of her ability in the VNSL final last season and we are looking for her to be a pivotal player in our centre court.”
Skingsley is an exciting prospect for Thunder, having previously played for Hertfordshire Mavericks Youth.
Greig is ‘excited’ to be working with the 21-year-old, after monitoring her progress through the National Academy and last season with Jets.
Greig added: “Bea really cemented her position in the Jets circle last year and showed great athletic ability.
“She has a great understanding of the game and ability to turn over balls by manoeuvring around her opponent with ease. I am excited to see how we can use her as a utility player linking with the defence / centre court unit. Welcome to Thunder Bea!”
