Jess Thirlby Steps Down As England Netball Head Coach Ahead Of Commonwealth Games
jess thirlby has stepped down as England head coach with immediate effect, saying the decision is “best for me and my family. ” She leaves four months before this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which take place from 23 July to 2 August.
Jess Thirlby Cites Family Reasons; Assistant Coaches To Lead
Thirlby, who took charge of the Roses after the departure of Tracey Neville in 2019, said she needed to “turn my attention onto supporting my incredible family. ” She acknowledged that she had not fully processed the loss of her father at the time, adding: “On reflection, I was mistaken to not prioritise and process the loss of my father at the time of his death, instead, and without regret, travelling with the team for the World Cup and the subsequent series in New Zealand. “
England Netball has named assistant coach Anna Stembridge to lead the side into the Commonwealth Games, with former captain Olivia Murphy stepping up as assistant coach. The governing body said Stembridge’s promotion will provide “continuity and leadership” while it recruits for a permanent head coach externally after the Games.
Legacy And Recent Results: World Cup Silver, Series Work And Mixed Form
jess thirlby leaves after guiding England to a first World Cup final and silver medal in 2023. During her tenure the Roses also staged Test series against Jamaica and New Zealand, and recorded a series of notable results, though the side missed out on a medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The team was beaten by South Africa in February in what was billed as their final series before the Commonwealth Games. Thirlby said she is “proud of the foundations we have built together, ” citing systems, structures and a culture of excellence that she believes have created a resilient team capable of competing with the best internationally.
What Comes Next For The Roses
England Netball’s chief executive commented on Thirlby’s contribution, thanking her for leadership and professionalism and noting the significant role she played in the growth of the Roses programme. The organisation intends to recruit an external candidate for the permanent head coach role after the Commonwealth Games, while Stembridge will provide short-term continuity for the squad heading to Glasgow.
The immediate focus for the team is preparing for the Commonwealth Games, where the promoted coaching team will aim to build on the progress achieved under Thirlby’s tenure and compete for a medal on home soil.
