After a recent restructure in the medical department, we take a look at the staff tasked with making sure our footballers are kept on the pitch and fighting fit as much as possible.
The medical department underwent a huge makeover this summer adding brand new equipment to a newly-built office next to the first team dressing room.
Stuart Irwin heads up the department and his primary aim is to ensure all first team players are fit and available for match days.
He said: “Injury prevention is the primary role of any medical and sports science department. This involves many aspects, including gym sessions, recovery strategies and the use of technology to monitor training load.
“We have a manager who favours innovation and development. The gaffer wants his players training everyday and appreciates the value of monitoring training loads in order to optimise performance and drive this club forward.
“We are very fortunate to have an excellent manager who is very forward thinking and appreciates the value of medical and sports science in order to optimise the players performance.”
Whilst Stuart primarily looks after the first team, new academy physiotherapist Emma Constantine aids the youth team players to achieve their full potential.
She joined the club from Brighton and Hove Albion last month and brings a wealth of knowledge to the department.
Alongside the pair, club doctor Robert Beardsell assists on a matchday and Daniel Morton is the club’s new strength and conditioning coach.
A podiatrist, chiropractor and a network of specialist consultants also contribute to keeping the players fit.
“We have a good team in place to condition already fit players and rehabilitate any injured players back to full fitness,” Stuart added.
“We also have a great relationship with various universities. By facilitating the opportunity for students to gain valuable experience within a professional sporting environment, we in return we get young, enthusiastic students who are a great help with the day-to-day running of a busy department.”
Manager Stephen Robinson commented: “The medical staff have been excellent since I’ve been here. Stuart has been fantastic and we want to make sure he stays at the football club.
“He has put things in place in terms of injury prevention and we are pleased with what Stuart has done.
“We’ve also added a strength and conditioning coach and Dan has made a big difference with injury prevention and we are trying to take the club forward in that direction.
“It’s testament to the medical staff as we have no injuries and it gives me a selection headache, but a good headache to have.”
Pictured: Dan Morton (left), Dr Robert Beardsell (second left), Peter Clarke (middle), Stuart Irwin (second right), Emma Constantine (right).