SYDNEY – England’s netball team say coach Tracey Neville’s incredible bravery in dealing with her father’s sudden death has inspired them to aim high at the World Cup.
An emotional Neville re-emerged courtside on Saturday to oversee her squad edge world No.4 Jamaica 54-50 in their second pool match at Sydney’s Olympic Park.
Her appearance came less than a day after Neville Neville, also the father of former England and Manchester United footballers Gary and Phil, died after suffering a heart attack on arrival in Australia.
The 65-year-old had travelled with his wife Jill to watch his daughter, a former 81-Test star, coach her first world titles.
Gary and Phil Neville are also in Sydney, having flown from the UK to be by his side at St Vincent’s Hospital.
The events of the previous 24 hours were still visibly raw as Neville stood arm in arm on the court with England coaching staff for a minute’s silence observed in her father’s memory.
Wiping away tears, she gave an acknowledging wave to the crowd before retreating to the sidelines for the match. The tragedy has come as a blow to England, who are ranked third in the world and are seen as a threat to Australia’s title defence. But captain Geva Mentor said Neville’s courage in continuing to coach the side had seeped through the team and inspired them to push harder.
