Thursday 25 August 2016 10:16, UK
Team Bath have announced the signing of Layla Guscoth ahead of the 2017 Vitality Superleague season.
As the 10 franchises prepare for the new season, which gets under way in February, Bath have revealed the first new name they hope will help them improve on last season's semi-final spot.
Former Mavericks captain Guscoth reunites with Team Bath head coach Anna Stembridge and director of netball Jess Thirlby who she played under with England.
The 24-year-old works as a doctor at the Royal United Hospital in Bath and ends an eight-year stay with the Mavericks in search of a fresh challenge which she hopes can bring her another Superleague title having won with Hertfordshire in 2011.
Guscoth, who was named Superleague Player of the Year in 2014, won the competition with Mavericks in 2011.
"I have already worked with Anna and Jess quite a lot during my time with England and I know they're both great coaches," said Guscoth.
"I also know some of the Team Bath players really well from my previous netball experience so it's nice to know there will be some familiar faces at my new team.
"I'd been at Mavericks for a very long time. I really enjoyed my time there; I had some amazing coaches and team-mates but I just felt like I needed a new challenge.
"Now I have my sights on winning the Superleague with Team Bath and I'm really optimistic for the season ahead."
Stembridge is thrilled with the signing as Bath finalise plans for their 12-team squad and believes the addition of goal keeper or goal defender Guscoth has huge benefits.
"Layla brings a wealth of both domestic and international experience," said Stembridge.
"She's a tenacious defender with a fantastic range which a lot of attackers underestimate. She's a very exciting, very experienced player.
"Competition for places ultimately ensures performance and, with the nature of the talent of the squad, will breed success."
Thirlby, who also worked with Guscoth in the England set-up, said the qualities the defender brings go beyond the court.
"Layla brings not only her playing experience but leadership too and her ability to have juggled a career in medicine alongside her international netball endeavours is admirable - she will be a fantastic role model amongst her team mates and to the fans.
"She has shown huge loyalty to her former team Hertfordshire Mavericks and having worked with her before I have no doubts that she will strengthen the team both on and off the court which will be pivotal as we aim to better our third place of last year and aim for the title."
