Monday 11 November 2019 12:54, UK
Severn Stars have confirmed the appointment Sam Bird as their new assistant coach after leaving her position as Hertfordshire Mavericks head coach.
Bird has been with the Mavericks for the last 11 years and was appointed as head coach in 2014, leading them into the Superleague play-offs for each of the last two seasons.
As they prepare for their debut Vitality Superleague season in a new 10-team competition, the Stars have completed their coaching line-up ahead with Bird joining former Australian international Mo'onia Gerrard who has been confirmed as head coach and former England star Pamela Cookey who is the team's director of netball.
Bird, who represented England at all levels from U16 to senior level will become the third former international to join the Stars staff and is relishing the new challenge.
"I am so excited to be involved with Severn Stars. Anita, Mo'onia and Pam are a fantastic group of energetic and knowledgeable coaches and I'm very much looking forwards to working with them and the selected squad," she said.
"After eleven years of coaching at Mavericks I'm looking forwards to working in a new environment and with top quality players and impressive facilities.
"Mo'onia is very keen to develop the standard of English players and this is an excellent opportunity for me to be involved with that programme."
Bird will combine her role with the national team as a selector and mid-court coach alongside her duties for the Stars and has a proven track record in working with young players.
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