Ever since Manchester Thunder lost Superleague winning coach Tracey Neville to the England Netball team Lollipop has been on tenterhooks wondering who will become head of the former champions.
But the wait is over for Thunder supporters as the team announced ANZ Championship side Adelaide Thunderbirds assistant coach Dan Ryan as the new head coach.
We won’t lie Lollipop and I had no clue who this guy was but Ryan is an experienced netballer and coach. (Yes. Men play Netball too).
Victoria-born Ryan, 31, plays goal attack for the Australia men’s team and won the title with Thunderbirds in 2013 after joining the Southern Australia side in 2012. He also coached Southern Force in the ANL.
Our new coach is a qualified journalist and freelance sports broadcaster, notably with Australia’s Network Ten and travelled to Delhi, India in 2010 as part of the commentary team for the Commonwealth Games.
Ryan also guest coached with Neville last year at Manchester Thunder so perhaps his appointment was planned way in advance Lollipop.
The Australian netballer said: “I’ve always kept a close eye on the Superleague and head coaching in the competition has always been on my radar. I can’t wait to get back into the head coach seat after four years working as an assist with the Adelaide Thunderbirds. The opportunity to lead a great club like Manchester Thunder is really exciting and the timing of it seems perfect for me at this point in my coaching career.”
So far it seems like the best decision for Thunder but Ryan was widely tipped to be head coach at the Thunderbirds after Jane Woodlands-Thompson announced in April that she would be stepping down. But the job was given to Australian Diamonds assistant coach Michelle den Dekker.
Perhaps Manchester Thunder was his second choice or even a last resort. Also despite winning the ANZ Championship in 2013 Thunderbirds finished 8th in 2014 and are currently 5th this season.
Ryan left his side that are not performing at their best to come to a team who despite winning the Superleague in 2014 failed to reach the finals this season after a dismal semi finals loss to Hertfordshire Mavericks.
The Australian coach may have an impressive resume but he is new to the Superleague and to England Netball.
So for Lollipop whether Ryan is the coach to lift Manchester Thunder back to the very top of the Superleague remains to be answered.
Behind the scenes Thunder managing director Debbie Hallas said: “We are so pleased to have Dan join us at Manchester Thunder.
“He brings with him invaluable experience coaching in the most high profile and best netball league in the world.
“We are sure Dan will fit in perfectly at Thunder and will continue to bring the absolute best out of our players, who I am sure will relish a new challenge under a new coach.”
Ryan is due to take up his role at Thunder in the late summer. The team are clearly behind him and despite our concerns so is Lollipop who is already missing the Superleague drama.
Three cheers for Dan Ryan…
Lollipop's Champions 
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