Jade Clarke admits move to Australia too good to turn down
Friday 26 February 2016 10:47, UK
Jade Clarke has spoken out about her move to Adelaide Thunderbirds insisting she kept Loughborough Lightning informed of all developments.
Lightning were less than impressed with the conduct of the Thunderbirds and let it be known in a strongly worded statement that they were unhappy with how the approach was made.
Now that the dust has settled, Clarke has had her say insisting she kept Lightning informed and maintains that the opportunity to return to the best netball league in the world was something she could not turn down once the chance arose in the summer.
"I was approached by the Adelaide Thunderbirds before the Superleague season started and immediately informed my coach Karen Atkinson, whilst still committing to playing until a resolution was in place," said Clarke.
"I was left in a difficult predicament, after spending a pre-season with a team that I love; coaches I love working with, and high aspirations for play-offs and beyond.
"Although the Superleague is stronger than ever before, I feel the opportunity to enter a professional training environment and compete in the world's best league, whilst taking advantage of playing against all the international players from the number 1 and 2 ranked teams in the world is unparalleled and something that I would encourage any player to do in order to achieve their ultimate goal."
Clarke spent three years in the ANZ Championship between 2012-15 playing for Northern Mystics, Canterbury Tactix and NSW Swifts and is hoping she gets the chance to say a fond farewell when she plays her last home game for Lighting against Surrey Storm on Saturday - her final two games will be away from home.
"I would like to thank the netball community for their support over the last few days and I can't wait to see the Lightning fans on Saturday in my final home game," Clarke added.
"I'm a big believer in taking the positives out of any situation. If there is anything that I have learned or could pass on, it is to encourage players and Superleague franchises to come to an agreement so both parties are clear on what will happen should an opportunity to play in another competition arise, however unexpected!"
