SEVERN Stars head coach Sam Bird says her team have “the potential to go all the way” in the Vitality Superleague ahead of Saturday night's first match.

Bird, who took over the role last summer, said off-season changes had strengthened the side and the players have come together over the months of pre-season training.

The joint franchise between the Worcester and Gloucestershire universities start their season in netball’s top-flight against Manchester Thunder at the University of Worcester Arena (6pm).

Bird, who played for England from under 16 to senior level and coached Hertfordshire Mavericks to two Superleague titles, said Stars had secured a strong group of players and that signings had been “deliberate and considered”.

“What I’m most excited about is this club, the potential within it and the positive future ahead,” she said.

“I’m absolutely convinced the team we have around us has the potential to go all the way.

“We retained the best of our players from last year. This was based on not only their fine performances for the club but also because of the potential development they have to come and what they will achieve with Stars.

“New players have been recruited to fit with the club’s style and with the existing core players — to complement them, challenge them and bond with them.

“As a result, there is not one player in the squad who can relax and think they have no competition for their position. Competition is there for everyone.”

England's Jodie Gibson and Ellie Cardwell, who competed in the Quad Series last month, return for a second season.

Gibson is among three University of Worcester students in the side alongside Becky Oatley and England under 21 player Iona Darroch.

Laura Malcolm returns to captain the side along with mid-courter Sophie Carter.

New members include Maryka Holtzhausen and Phumza Maweni who played for South Africa in the Quad Series.

Further additions include University of Gloucestershire students Ella Powell Davies and Shona O’Dwyer.

Bird said the unity among the squad she had witnessed develop in training was also a key component to success.

“This is a team of players who like to collaborate,” she added.

“I have already seen strong bonds developing between players, some of whom were strangers four months ago.

"This ability to work together for the benefit of the club makes me sure we recruited well.

“Stars is striving to be the best place for players to grow together, whether they be an international star, England player, ex-England player or future England player.”