A star performer in the record-breaking Roses campaign, Imogen Allison will make the move to Manchester with a Netball World Cup silver medal in her clutches. Brought in to bolster the Manchester mid-court, Imogen will look to bring her World Cup form through in a new challenge.
Twenty-five year old Imogen made her Netball Super League (NSL) debut for Yorkshire Jets in 2016, before moving to the University of Bath to study Sports and Exercise Science, where she made a huge name for herself at Team Bath netball. Imogen has been an inspirational wing-defence and centre for Team Bath for the past seven seasons, and in 2022 she was made Team Bath captain.
Imogen said, “I’ve been really grateful to get the opportunities I have at Team Bath, but I’m now really excited for a new adventure. It’s something that is back up north and closer to home to me, so I’m really excited.”
“The Thunder team vibes look really good to be around and also playing in Manchester is always really noisy, so I’m excited for that crowd. As an opposition, playing in the Thunderdome was daunting, but I’ve always liked it because I love the noise and to hear how passionate the fans are. I’m planning to bring good vibes, lot’s of hard work at training but also I want to enjoy it with the team and with the girls.”
At the same time as playing in the Netball Super League, Imogen has also represented the England Roses internationally, earning thirty-six caps to date. She has many international accolades under her belt including bronze at the Netball World Youth Cup, gold at the U21 Europe Netball competition, and more recently silver at the 2023 Netball World Cup in South Africa.
Looking back at the 2023 Netball World Cup, Imogen said, “It was amazing, and the whole experience was crazy getting into that Final and then going onto the podium with a silver medal with the girls. I’m very grateful for that experience and I would love to one up it in the next 4 years.”
Another one of Manchester Thunder’s 2024 signings, Amy Carter, also travelled to the Netball World Cup as a travelling reserve. Imogen said, “I love playing with Amy. We’ve played together a few times growing up in the England Academies, and I think re-connecting over the Summer has proved to both of us that we’ve really got a good connection on court. I’m really excited to get to play with her, and build that again at Thunder.”
Speaking on Imogen, Manchester Thunder Head Coach and Franchise Director, Karen Greig, said, “A powerhouse of a centre court player, Imogen has a natural ability to win ball for her team, whether it is tracking her own player or having the vision to sight where else she can disrupt. She’s a solid option across both Wing Defence and Centre, and I really believe she will add a lot to our Centre court unit. I’m excited to get Imogen into our environment and start to build those connections, both on and off the court and seeing what she can do in a Manchester Thunder dress.”
