Ryan selects large Oldham group for Thunder

NETBALL: 

THERE is a strong Oldham contingent in new Manchester Thunder coach Dan Ryan’s 17-player Vitality Superleague long squad.

Eleven of the players selected have worn the town team’s red and blue colours in the National Premier League - Kerry Almond, Taylor Cullen, Emma Dovey, Jodie Gibson, Laura Malcolm, Gabby Marshall, Alice Travis, Kathryn Turner, Helen Housby, Amy Clinton and Abby Tyrell.

Housby will line up alongside her England team-mate Sara Bayman.

Thunder’s newest signing is Natalie Haythornthwaite, who joins from Roses rivals Yorkshire Jets.

On the depth of his squad, Ryan said: “I’m really happy with the 17 we have named in our initial long squad.

“We had some pretty tough selection decisions to make, which is a great position to be in. I feel we have the right blend of established NSL players and promising youngsters ready to take the next step.'”

The Melbourne-born coach will lead Thunder for his debut season in the Superleague after switching from Australian ANZ outfit Adelaide Thunderbirds, where he was assistant coach.

The final Superleague squad will be decided after the conclusion of the “Next Generation” competition, which got underway last weekend.