At a football club, it’s primarily the players and manager who are the main focal point. These individuals are often thrust into the spotlight or take the limelight with a moment of brilliance, madness or controversy.
But what about those behind the scenes, these integral cogs in a football club’s machine? I caught up with Nick Oakley, Head of Sports Science and Medicine at Crewe Alexandra, to get an insight on the day-to-day duties of his role at the club and to learn more about football injuries.
“My primary responsibility is to ensure that both the Sports Science and the Medical provision is in place and running effectively throughout the entire club,” said Oakley.
“I provide medical support to the first team and U23 players on a daily basis, which will include ongoing assessments, treatments, and rehabilitation of all injured players. I am also responsible for the Injury Prevention Programme at the club and I am the main pitch side physiotherapist at all first team games.”
Upon arrival at Reaseheath training ground, Oakley will meet with the Sports Science and Medicine staff before undertaking an initial assessment, treatment and overview of the day’s rehabilitation to players who are currently injured.
A meeting with the manager and coaching staff to discuss player availability and outstanding issues is next on the agenda, followed by the delivery of the Injury Prevention Programme to the first team and U23s.
Oakley then prepares the first team players for training by ensuring that any required strappings are applied, stretches and exercises are completed and by massaging any players should they require. While the team trains, Oakley works alongside the physiotherapist to deliver rehabilitation to the long term injured players.
After training, fit first team players are assessed by the Sports Science and Medicine staff before a Strength and Conditioning session for the players – Monday and Wednesday’s session is dedicated to the first team and U23s, while players in rehabilitation attend Tuesday’s session.
Once all relevant paperwork is completed it’s time for the evening academy session where Oakley will complete his assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of any fledgling stars coming through the ranks at the Railwaymen.
“We have a large number of academy players that graduate and sign professional terms to the first team,” continued Oakley. “We ensure that our long term strategy is continuous and develops the player accordingly through each age phase; with the clear end goal of producing an athlete who is able to physically compete at the highest level. As a department we feel it is essential that our philosophies also carry through from U9s to first team level.”
The medical staff at Crewe works closely with the immediate first team faculty to ensure a smooth running of day-to-day responsibilities, with meetings on Fridays to review the previous working week and form a detailed plan of the forthcoming schedule. In addition, the teams meet every morning to discuss any potential changes or relevant issues.
“We emphasise to the players the importance of ‘communication’ and ‘togetherness’ as prerequisites for success and it is exactly the same principles we hold as staff,” said Oakley. “We are a close knit team, regularly bounce ideas off each other, and create an environment where we aren’t afraid to question proposed methods and processes for the benefit of the players. We know it is never personal; it’s just a method to get the best out of each other and each department.
“It allows all staff members to be singing off the same hymn sheet before the players arrive – there is nothing more confusing for a player than being told two completely different things by staff; and it also keeps the staff together and the moral high. It facilitates good organisation and can allow a feeling of togetherness to be maintained throughout the long season.
“At our training ground, the manager’s office is situated next door to the treatment room and gym, so it is inevitable that we are in constant dialogue with each other throughout the day. It also allows the manager to oversee the player’s physical work but also be able to drop in on injured player’s rehabilitation throughout the day. There is nothing worse for a long term injured player than the feeling of being forgotten.”
While most of us would assume that a physio’s duty is to race onto the field with the ‘magic sponge’ when a player has taken a knock, there’s actually more to the medical staff’s role than meets the eye on a match day.
After setting out equipment and preparing the players for their warm up and the match, Oakley will check his medical kit before liaising with the opposition medical team.
“It is an important meeting as we will discuss the Emergency Action Plan in place at the venue should any substantial injuries occur,” he explains. “I’ll then help the coaching and sports science staff with the final part of the warm up, and then double check my physio bag before wishing the players the best for the game ahead.
“During a match, my role is to be a ‘first responder’ should any injuries occur on the field of play. Consequently, that means I don’t really get to watch the full game, or follow the ball as I am constantly watching players away from the action and evaluate how they are moving.
“There are specific moments in games where there is a heightened risk for significant injury, for example 50-50s, aerial challenges and crosses into the box. It’s during these moments that I am most alert.
“After the game I will assess any injuries sustained and immediately start acute treatment or management if necessary; getting onto an injury early may be the difference between missing an additional game or two.
“Any serious injury may result in having to work a much longer day and there have been many times where I have spent my Saturday night in the local Accident and Emergency department.”
Read part two of my interview here, where cardiac arrest, head injuries and much more is covered.
BEHIND THE SCENES: THE PHYSIO
Part one of my interview with Nick Oakley, Crewe Alexandra's Head of Sports Science and Medicine
Article posted: 6 October 2016
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