Roses star returns to Bath where she began her career and won three Superleague titles
Friday 1 November 2019 16:02, UK
England international Serena Guthrie has ended the mystery around where she will be playing her netball next year after confirming she will return to Team Bath.
The superstar mid-courter, who is preparing with the Roses ahead of their Quad Series with Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, confirmed earlier this month she would be returning to the Vitality Superleague and Bath will be her destination.
Guthrie has been one of England's best exports, excelling in New Zealand with the Northern Mystics and most recently having a successful two-year spell with Giants in the Australian Super Netball.
"I'm really excited to come back home to the place where my netball career began and contribute positively within the franchise as a senior player," said Guthrie.
"When I left Bath I was a young athlete with little experience in the netball world. I'm looking forward to the 2019 VNSL campaign with the club with so much more experience under my belt."
However, she has admitted that, with a big year for the Roses ahead, returning to the Superleague was on the agenda as preparations build towards the World Cup in Liverpool next July.
Guthrie was a key part of Tracey Neville's team that won Commonwealth gold by beating Australia on the Gold Coast and you can see the Roses return to action on Sky Sports in September with live coverage of the Quad Series.
The 28-year-old would have fitted into any Superleague club given her all-action style and influence but head coach Jess Thirlby is delighted it's a return 'home'.
"It is fantastic to welcome Serena back to the Blue & Gold, and what was very much her home for a significant part of her netballing journey," Thirlby said.
"We are very proud of all that Serena has achieved and her time overseas has reinforced what a world-class player she is. Known as one of the best, if not the best, mid-court players of the current era, Serena will have a significant and positive impact on the team in 2019.
"There is no doubt that Serena would have had the pick of what clubs to go to but it is both testament to her loyalty and the club that she has chosen to return to Team Bath.
"What is so special about Serena is not just her playing ability but her character. She inspires those around her, radiates energy and cares about the environment and the culture of the club, having played such an integral part in developing it in previous years."
