Manchester Thunder: Superleague winners in name change

Superleague champions Northern Thunder have changed their name to Manchester Thunder ahead of the 2013 season.

The Gorton-based franchise, in May, are hoping the alteration will strengthen their links with the city.

Club director Debbie Hallas said: "It made sense commercially, and from a marketing perspective, to rebrand.

"Manchester is already on the map for many sporting reasons. We're putting it on the map for top-flight netball too."

Thunder, coached by former England international Tracey Neville, won the league title with a narrow 57-55 final victory against Surrey Storm.