Shooting sensation Amy Clinton makes the move back home to Manchester Thunder where she made her debut back in 2016.
Former U21 England netballer Amy Clinton initially made the move to Loughborough Lightning to gain experience and court time to further her netball career. She was subsequently snapped up by Celtic Dragons for two seasons where she was their stand-out player, receiving several player of the match awards during the 2021 season.
Watching her in fine form, Leeds Rhinos offered a move closer to home for 2022, but in a mixed season for the Yorkshire club, Clinton’s opportunities were limited with South African Sigi Burger favoured in at shooter. With several seasons away gaining experience far and wide, Clinton makes the move home to Manchester Thunder alongside several other pathway proteges.
The 24-year-old goal shooter began her netball career starting out as a defender before making the move to a shooter. At 1.88m tall, Clinton commands the circle and while she dominates at goal shooter, she also offers goal attack in her armoury.
Clinton is a key part of the record-breaking National Premier League squad at her local club Oldham, and the club have won nine out of the last 10 titles, with Clinton featuring across the last eight seasons. She represented the Manchester Thunder pathway across three age groups in Netball Performance League (NPL) before making her Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) debut in 2016 under head coach Dan Ryan.
Karen Greig, Head Coach and Director of Netball for Manchester Thunder, said, “I am super happy to have Amy back. Having worked with Amy since she was 14, I have kept a close eye on her whilst she has been gaining experience at other VNSL sides. Amy is a fearless shooter and more than happy to put up the long shots. I’m excited to be working with her again and get her firing on all cylinders and building her confidence, and she will be a great addition to the squad.”
Amy Clinton said, “I am delighted that I will be representing Manchester Thunder for the 2023 season. My journey with Thunder started when I was ten years old, at a camp run by Mike Greenwood and Kerry Almond. I later played in the NPL pathway and had my VNSL debut in 2016, so you can understand why it means so much to me to come back home [to Manchester Thunder.]”
“The squad looks absolutely incredible, and I can’t wait to get stuck in with the girls. I absolutely cannot wait to get back out in front of the Thunder fans. I came to the semi-final this year and the atmosphere was electric. I can’t wait to see everyone soon.”
