Source: Radio New Zealand
Jess Thirlby former head coach of England. © Photosport Ltd 2021 www.photosport.nz
England netball coach Jess Thirlby has stepped down just four months out from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
She steps down with immediate effect in a decision she said was “best for me and my family”.
Thirlby had been in the job for almost seven years after replacing Tracey Neville in 2019.
Thirlby said she was stepping down in order to focus on her family.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share my decision to step down from my role as head coach at England Netball, effective immediately,” Thirlby said in a statement.
“This is not a decision I had ever thought I would have to make but I need to turn my attention onto supporting my incredible family.
“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.
“Everything I have done since has been to prioritise the England Roses and with this in mind, I feel that stepping down as head coach now is best for me and my family.”
Thirlby’s assistant Anna Stembridge will lead the side into the Commonwealth Games with former captain Olivia Murphy becoming assistant coach.
England won the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2018 but missed out on the medals in 2022.
The Silver Ferns beat England 2-1 in their series in Britain late last year.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
