Manchester Mystics have secured the return of highly influential forward Rheanne Bailey ahead of the new WBBL season.

As head coach Jeff Jones starts to reveal his plans for the 2017-18 campaign, there is a strong suggestion that there will be plenty of continuity and chemistry to build upon.

One of the fundamental pillars of the team’s breakthrough season last year when they landed the WBBL Cup at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham, Mystics will be hoping for more trademark contributions from Bailey.

“Obviously Rheanne was an integral part of our success and progression last season and we are delighted she will be part of the continued growth of the team,” enthused Coach Jones.

“There is also the added dimension that Rheanne is very much central to the partnership we have with Manchester Metropolitan University – both through her education and responsibilities of coaching the first team.

“All the intangibles Rheanne brings to the team is paramount to us progressing as a club. She always demonstrates to our younger players the wider aspects of being in a team and all that entails,” reiterated the play-caller.

Bailey averaged 11.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game for Mystics last season in the WBBL Championship.