Northumbria Look Handy Ahead Of WBBL Tip Off

Team Northumbria have pulled off one of the biggest signings in WBBL history after luring Great Britain star Chantelle Handy back to her native North East.

The County Durham-born small forward has played professionally across Europe during a glittering club career.

But after stellar stops in Greece, Turkey, France, Sweden and Slovakia, the 30-year-old is ready to throw her weight behind new-look TN’s title bid.

“Chantelle has been training with us for the past few weeks and played a major role in pre-season,” said TN playcaller Chris Bunten.

“But it is only in the last few days that she has signed on the dotted line and committed to Northumbria for the 2017/18 season.

“I was always hopeful that if she did decide to play in the WBBL that she would play out of Sport Central.

“But nothing is ever certain and I’ve just been keeping my fingers crossed that we could do the right deal for everybody.

“I have to thanks everyone at Northumbria University Sport for making this happen. It’s a huge coup for TN but also for the WBBL.

“The league can only benefit from players like Chantelle bringing in all of their skill and experience.

“She is a leader on court and an inspiration off it and we’re very excited to see what she can bring to TN this season.”

Handy is in line for her competitive debut against Manchester Mystics on Sunday at Sport Central (2pm) - subject to her international clearance coming through from Slovakia.

The Consett baller played in all five of Team GB’s fixtures at the London 2012 Olympics and looks set to spearhead England’s challenge at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast.

Handy featured prominently in TN’s pre-season programme and helped the Tynesiders clinch the title during last weekend’s invitational event in Ireland.

“Chantelle wants to represent her country at the Commonwealth Games and we want her to be there,” added Bunten.

“I think that reassurance that she would be released for England was a key factor in her decision to sign for TN.

“Chantelle’s already become a very popular member of the team and the other players recognise her value to everything we’re seeking to achieve here.

“As far as I’m concerned her signing is the icing on the cake and completes a hugely successful summer of recruitment.

“I feel as if I’ve assembled a squad capable of putting TN back where we belong after last season’s disappointing campaign.”

To catch Handy in action head to Sport Central on Sunday. Entry is free and TN’s men take on Bradford Dragons immediately after the WBBL fixture.