Gail Emms sees a crucial time for Jess Pugh
Olympic silver medallist Gail Emms admits the next stage of Jess Pugh's development is crucial as the Telford star aims to transfer her junior prowess over to the senior ranks.
This year has seen 19-year-old Pugh put the junior circuit behind her as she and mixed doubles partner Ben Lane bid to make a name for themselves on the international circuit.
Pugh has put the hours in – she has competed all around the world, almost reaching the main draw of the prestigious YONEX All England last month, as well as making the Dutch International final.
Emms knows what this stage of a career is like, the now 38-year-old having gone from the junior circuit to claim Olympic mixed doubles silver alongside Nathan Robertson at Athens 2004.
And Emms insists Pugh has the mentality needed to make the transition, saying: "It is still quite early to tell how Jess is going to get on in her career. She is a unique character and is still so young.
"She has been one of the top juniors for a long time and when she steps up to the seniors, her mentality will be key to her success.
"She has a different personality to some of the other players and it will be interesting to see how she thrives in the intense sporting environment.
"At the moment she is doing fantastic and doing everything that she should be doing. The next couple of years will be crucial for her."
While Emms is a fan, the two might be facing off against each other on May 8 in the AJ Bell National Badminton League finals day at the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham.
Pugh's University of Nottingham play Birmingham Lions in one semi-final, while Emms' Team Derby face table-toppers Loughborough Sport in the other.
d Emms admits she is none the wiser as to who will take the top prize, adding: "There have been so many times when I have looked at results and I've thought 'what? How has that happened?
"I have lost matches that I should have won, I have won games that I should have lost. You could almost put all of the teams down on a piece of paper, close my eyes and just point to pick a winner."
Support your local teams and badminton stars in their bid for title glory at the AJ Bell National Badminton League finals day – the ultimate smashdown on Sunday, May 8 at the Barclaycard Arena.
For tickets and information, visit www.nationalbadmintonleague.co.uk.
