Netball Super League | Amy Clinton re-joins Manchester Thunder from rivals Leeds Rhinos

Clinton during the match between Team Bath Netball and Leeds Rhinos at the Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, England on 17th April 2022.

Amy Clinton has re-joined former club Manchester Thunder from local rivals Leeds Rhinos for the 2023 Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) season.

Shooter Clinton initially left Thunder back in 2016 having progressed through the three ages groups in the Netball Performance League (NPL) for the Manchester outfit before making her league debut under Dan Ryan six years ago.

In search for game time, the 24-year-old made the move to Loughborough Lightning before moving to Welsh side Celtic Dragons where she became a mainstay in the shooting circle.

Clinton recorded a career-high 424 goals for Dragons in 2021 with only seven players scoring more that season. A number of standout performances earned her a move to fourth-place Leeds Rhinos the following year.

The former England U21 international battled for a starting spot with South Africa international Sigi Burger and young star Sienna Rushton, but still managed a commendable 189 goals.

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.

“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.”

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.”

Clinton becomes Manchester Thunder’s seventh signing of the 2023 Signing Window following Taylor McKevitt, Lenize Potgieter, Lois Pearson, Elia McCormick and Amy Carter, and Yasmin Roebuck. You can view their full squad here.

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