‘Best for me and my family’: England netball rocked by coach’s sudden departure

England coach Jess Thirlby has shocked the netball world by quitting just four months out from the Commonwealth Games.

The timing of Thirlby’s decision was made more glaring by confirmation that England Netball won’t be hiring a new head coach until after those Glasgow games which begin in late July.

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In a statement released on Tuesday, Thirlby said it was with a “heavy heart” that she was walking away with the title of the Roses’ longest serving head coach with more than a year still to run on her contract.

“No matter how much we love what we do, we are all still human. 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,” Thirlby said in a statement.

“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.”

SEE JESS THIRLBY’S FULL STATEMENT BELOW

Thirlby had taken the reins from former Melbourne Mavericks coach Tracey Neville back in 2019, and led England to their historic silver medal at the 2023 Netball World Cup.

Now ahead of their Commonwealth Games campaign, current assistant Anna Stembridge will step into the role of head coach, while ex-Diamond Sharni Layton and former Giants star Jo Harten will continue their roles as assistants.

Ex-Roses captain Olivia Murphy will also step into an assistant coaching position.

“With the Commonwealth Games approaching, it is important that the programme continues to move forward with stability and clarity,” David Parsons, England Netball Performance Director said.

“I am delighted that Anna will step into the role of Head Coach through to the Games, providing continuity for the squad during this important period. She will be supported by a strong coaching group including Liv, Sharni and Jo, ensuring the players and staff continue to receive the support and expertise needed as preparations build towards Glasgow.”

England will head into the Commonwealth Games as the number three ranked nation in the world, ahead of Jamaica but behind Australia and New Zealand.

They are the 2018 Comm Games gold medallists – but have struggled to emulate that high in the years that have followed.

England Netball CEO Fran Connolly paid tribute to Thirlby’s efforts across her six years at the helm.

“I want to thank Jess for her time as Vitality Roses Head Coach and for the dedication and commitment she has shown to the programme and the wider game over the past six and a half years. During her tenure, the side reached a historic Netball World Cup final, secured multiple series victories, and recorded wins against every nation ranked in the world’s top five,” she said.

“We are grateful for the leadership and professionalism Jess has shown throughout her time as Head Coach, and for the significant contribution she has made to the continued growth and development of the Roses programme. We wish Jess and her family the very best for the future.”

England Netball has confirmed the “recruitment process” for a new head coach will commence following the Commonwealth Games campaign in August.

JESS THIRLBY FULL STATEMENT

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. It has been an incredible six and a half years and the greatest privilege to be the Roses’ longest-serving Head Coach.

I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together – particularly the historic World Cup silver medal we fought so hard for, which resulted in our joint highest world ranking. The dedication, passion, and excellence this team has shown has been nothing short of inspirational.

No matter how much we love what we do, we are all still human. 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.

Looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games, I am proud of the foundations we have built together. The systems, structures and culture of excellence we have developed have created a strong and resilient team, capable of competing with the best on the international stage. The work put in by the players and staff has been exceptional, and I know the group will approach the Games with commitment and belief.

I feel confident that the team is in a good place and well prepared for the next phase of their journey. This will ensure that the incredible momentum we have built continues, and that the team has the best possible preparation for the Games. They are all back with their respective clubs now and will return to the Roses programme in the summer ahead of what promises to be a hugely competitive and unforgettable Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. I wish the team every success.

Being Head Coach of the England Roses has been the most rewarding period of my professional life and a huge privilege, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such exceptional individuals. The legacy we have built together will continue to thrive.