Share Three-time Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) winner Kerry Almond is coming out of retirement to help Manchester Thunder retain their title following the late withdrawal of Loreen Ngwira. The Malawian defender has had to be replaced for medical reasons and Almond was the perfect player to fill the gap in the squad. She had been back training with Thunder as an associate supporting the rest of the line-up and answered Karen Greig’s call when looking for a replacement with the new season starting on Friday. “I said that was it and I wasn’t going to be tempted back. But I couldn’t stay away,” said Almond. “Not being able to play netball over the past year has been horrible for so many of us, and I have hated not being part of a team. “So, when Karen asked if I would consider returning to the squad for another season playing in black and yellow, it was impossible to say no – especially as I know so many of our fans would do anything to be back together on court. “My last game for Thunder was that Superleague title winning day nearly two years ago. Over the past few weeks, I have seen up close the work being done in training and I am confident we can defend our title. It will be strange not having our fans there to cheer us on, but I know you’ll be at home watching us and your support from your sofa will be driving us on.” Karen Greig, Manchester Thunder Director of Netball, said: “If you’re going to have to replace a player so close to the season starting, you couldn’t ask for anyone better than Kerry to complete the squad. “She is in great shape and looks like she has never been away. Like me and so many of our players, Kerry bleeds black and yellow so I’m thrilled to have her back with us for the 2021 season and we all can’t wait to step out on court this weekend.” Make sure that you get the news as it happens by following us on Twitter and Instagram. You can also subscribe to website notifications for the biggest news via the bell icon on our homepage. Related news post 23rd Oct 2024 Introducing the NXT Gen League: Everything you need to know! Reading: 4 mins Related players: Kerry Almond Tags: Manchester Thunder Previous Story Manchester Thunder’s Loreen Ngwira ruled out of 2021 season Next Story Vitality Netball Superleague new dresses revealed for 2021 More News 23rd Oct 2024 News Introducing the NXT Gen League: Everything you need to know! Reading: 4 mins 8th Oct 2024 News Netball Super League set for showdown at The O2 as 2025 fixtures are announced Reading: 4 mins 7th Oct 2024 News Announcing the Netball Super Cup 2025 Reading: 2 mins 7th Oct 2024 News Netball Super League Relaunched: A Bold New Brand for a Bold New Era Reading: 2 mins 17th Sep 2024 video An interview with London Pulse on Sky Sports News Reading: 0 mins More Google Ad – MPU – Right Column