With the success of the 2022 season and four Superleague titles under her belt, Manchester Thunder legend Kerry Almond has re-signed for the 2023 season, making this a record 14th season playing for Thunder.
After winning the Superleague title for the third time in 2019, Almond announced her retirement from netball. However, this was short lived after the late withdrawal of Loreen Ngwira just before the start of the 2021 season. At the time, Almond explained, “Debbie [Hallas] accosted me one Tuesday morning in the Netball UK office where I work, and asked whether I fancied coming out of retirement. I was a bit unsure as I hadn’t done any running so I told her I would see, however, it was great to be back involved and seeing all the girl’s faces. It was brilliant decision for me to come out of retirement.”
Goal Keeper Almond was a permanent presence in the starting seven for Manchester Thunder throughout the 2022 season, appearing in twenty-one games and only missing out on one game due to concussion protocols. Almond’s stats have been very impressive, with her in second position in the league for the most deflections with 99 and coming in ninth for the most intercepts with 41.
Kerry Almond said, “The last season in 2022 was incredible. It was amazing to be back out in front of the Thunder fans at Belle Vue, and it was phenomenal to go 22 games unbeaten. I’m really proud of what we put out on court last year, and hopefully we can do the same job again in the 2023 season.”
With Almond being announced in the 2023 squad for Manchester Thunder, she joins South African international Shadine van der Merwe, Elia McCormick who has returned from an ACL injury and new signing Ella Bowen from Loughborough Lightning in the defensive circle.
Almond concluded, “I’m really looking forward to getting back out on court with my partner in crime, Shadine van der Merwe. I had a blast out on court with her last season, as well as off the court. I’m also really excited as-well to welcome Taylor McKevitt back into the squad. She’s been away for a few years but I’m looking forward to working with her out in front of me at wing defence as she’s a brilliant player.”
Karen Greig, Head Coach and Director of Netball for Manchester Thunder, said, “Just when everyone had her retired again, I’m so happy Kerry has decided to sign for another season. Kerry really is in her prime and playing some of her best netball. She is a key member of our squad and is invaluable with the partnership she has formed with Shadine, as well as the experience and knowledge she brings to our youngsters which sees them thrive. Welcome back Kerry.”
