Flanagan and May renew Wasps contracts

Experienced Wasps Netball duo Amy Flanagan and Sam May have renewed their contracts ahead of the 2019 Vitality Netball Superleague season.

The pair have re-joined Wasps as the team targets a third successive title in the upcoming campaign. The move will see both play under new Head Coach Mel Mansfield at the Ricoh Arena.

Amy Flanagan, who excels at Wing Defence or Centre, is looking forward to linking back up with the team for another season and working with Mansfield.

“It’s really great to be playing for Wasps again next season. My teammates, the staff, and the fans have made it a fantastic two years for me, and I’m excited to get started again,” said Flanagan.

“We’ve got a great support network behind the scenes and the crowds that gather to see us play make such a difference. I’m extremely excited by the plans for the coming season and have everything in place to be successful once again.”

“I’ve known Mel since I was 18. She has an amazing ability to get the best out of you, but also cares for you as a person. She treats your wellbeing with as much importance as your performances. It was amazing to come away with the title again last season and I’m looking forward to getting back on court and challenging again.”

Defensive star Sam May was joint fifth for interceptions last season and is confident the team can compete for another title.

“It feels really good to be returning again this season and I’m looking forward to getting back at it,” said May.

“The challenge this season is to make it three titles in a row. The other sides will be stronger and determined to stop us from winning, so we will have to continue to develop as a team to be successful again. It’s great to see Mel in charge. She’s been here since day one, so it feels perfectly natural to have her as head coach.”

“Mel and the rest of the Wasps staff have helped me to learn and play my best, so it was an easy decision to stay here.”

Wasps head coach Mel Mansfield added: “I have worked with Sam for a number of years and I am delighted to welcome her and Amy back to Wasps as we look to challenge again.

“Both players are extremely powerful and win a lot of ball, truly our interception queens. Sam played a lot of Goal Keeper last year and made a real impact there, but she is still lethal in the Wing Defence position and gives me a lot of options.”

“Amy flies for the ball and makes some insane turnovers. She constantly causes trouble for our opposition and can attack too. She is instrumental in our through-court play and her versatility at taking the Centre bib makes her a huge asset to our team.”