Jess Thirlby departs England Head Coach Role
Jess leaves the position after six and a half years as England Head Coach.
After six and a half years it was confirmed today that Jess will be leaving the role with immediate effect. Jess has said in a statement it is “best for me and my family”.
Jess took charge of the Roses after the departure of Tracey Neville in 2019 and guided England to World Cup silver in 2023.
With 128 days until the start of the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow, former Team Bath Head Coach Anna Stembridge will lead the side into this summer’s Commonwealth Games with Olivia Murphy becoming assistant coach.
“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,” said Thirlby, who represented England as a player between 1991 and 2006.”
“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.”
Despite a Commonwealth Gold in 2018 under Tracey Neville England missed out on a medal under Thirlby’s guidance four years later in Birmingham.
Wins in test series against Jamaica and New Zealand and a maiden Nations Cup title last year followed. The Roses were beaten by South Africa in their finial series ahead of the Commonwealth Games that took place in February.
“Looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games, I am proud of the foundations we have built together,” she added.
“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.”
England Netball, which will recruit for a permanent head coach, external after the Commonwealth Games, said the promotion of Stembridge will provide “continuity and leadership”.
“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 of the Roses programme,” said England Netball chief executive Fran Connolly.
“We now look ahead to building on these strong foundations as the Vitality Roses enter the next phase of their journey.”
The next World Cup will be in Australia in 2027.
Opinion
This decision so close to one of the sports major tournaments does seem quite questionable, would it be better to wait until after it has finished before such a decision?. Timing can be questioned but with Jess’ statement suggesting it is because of matters off court instead of the Roses performances on court – despite the results – perhaps it is something that we will never know.
Anna and Liv will provide the familiarity but there isnt anyone that immediately springs to mind.
Tracey was going to be difficult to follow and Jess divided opinions at times but she will be remembered for the World Cup run in 2023 when they beat Australia. As for England a place in the final three at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow now seems more important than ever.
Jess’s 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 6 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.”
Image: Morgan Harlow Used With Permission
