Oldham Athletic are delighted to announce the appointment of Mick Rathbone as Physiotherapist and Head of Conditioning.
The 63-year-old has nearly 30 years of experience in the sector, starting out with Halifax following his retirement from playing and spending a considerable period with Everton, before time on the medical staff at a host of clubs including Preston North End and Wigan Athletic.
Baz, as he is affectionately known, filled the role of Head of Medical during his time at Goodison Park, and will work away from matchdays alongside current physio, Claire Swindell, and Strength & Conditioning Coach, Trystan Jones.
“Mick is someone I’ve worked with as a player and a coach, he’s an outstanding physio, conditioner, and psychologist, all of which are areas where we need to strengthen," said Unsworth.
“Injuries have been an issue for us this season, so his experience and knowledge in those areas will go a long way in helping us rectify the problems we’ve had.
“The psychological work that he does with the players on a one-to-one basis is great as well, and he’s already been in for a day, making himself at home with all the lads."
Speaking about his new position at Latics, Rathbone said: “The role will involve working alongside Claire and Trystan, focusing on the on-field side of things, the rehab and any acute injuries.
“I feel as though we are just starting to turn the corner with the injuries we currently have, a few of the lads are just starting to come back and they are really determined to get themselves on the pitch again.
“I’ve have known David since I began as Head of Medical at Everton in 2002 and I returned to work alongside him with the U23s.
“I’ve also written books about performance anxiety, which is something that essentially ruined my career as a footballer. I suppose I’ve become a bit of a guru in that field and it has taken me to a number of different clubs in recent years.
“I’ve always approached each role I've had with great optimistic and I’m going to do the same here.
“There’s a real determination to get this club back to where it should be and there are exciting times ahead."
In a professional playing career which saw him make over 450 appearances for Birmingham, Blackburn and Preston, he retired after a spell with Halifax, where he started out as a physiotherapist.
Rathbone, who has written two books documenting his experiences in the game under the title of The Smell Of Football, returned to Deepdale to work under David Moyes, and followed him to Everton in 2002, becoming the club’s Head of Medical.
Since leaving Everton in 2010, he’s worked with England U17s, Blackpool and Wigan, with his most recent spells being with Salford City and Dundee.
Welcome to Latics, Mick!