Carter pleads patience as faltering Jets are slow to find their feet

Jets have lost both their opening games against Loughborough and Team Bath ahead of a trip to Surrey Storm today.

Despite this slow start, Carter – whose side reached the play-off semi-final last season – reckons the squad are being realistic in terms of where they are at the moment.

Carter said: “The Jets are a team that are going to develop and evolve as the season goes on. We have six players who are aged 21 and under and we are investing in new youth.”

Compared to a Surrey side that have kept the majority of their squad from last season, Jets had a major overhaul, with only one player, Jess Shaw, remaining from the previous season. It has resulted in a shaky start for the Jets, but Carter feels the key to success is in the team dynamic and rebuilding of the squad.

She said: “It’s a tall order to get into the top tour and play at this level. Losing senior players who have retired, you lose that leadership and have to rebuild around that. The girls are upbeat and aware of where they’re at going into their next few games.”

On new captain Stacy Francis, Carter added: “Stacey is sympathetic to the group as she was in the same place with Team Bath at 16. The girls really look up to her.”