AN OVERVIEW
The Medical and Exercise Science Department includes a network of support services that provides high quality medical and scientific support services to all performance aspects of players at Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club.
Our support services include: Medicine, Performance Analysis, Performance Psychology, Performance Nutrition, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Soft Tissue Therapy and Strength and Conditioning.
We take an inter-disciplinary approach to those services mentioned, with knowledge and expertise shared, offering significant added value to our support work.
The integration of the department to include overseeing both the Academy and First Team playing squads allows for continuity in our working practices, facilitating the graduation of our youth players along our development pathway, and represents a more efficient approach towards the management of our resources.
Our aim is to optimise player availability and performance through the provision of evidence-based science and medicine services.
Tony Daley
Head of First Team Physical Performances
Birmingham-born, a successful decade as a player with Aston Villa saw Tony pick up a League Cup winners medal following the 1994 win against Manchester United, while Villa also twice finished as runners-up in the top division.
The pacey winger also earned seven England caps, including two appearances at the 1992 European Championshps.
He left Villa for Wolves, where injury affected his four years at the club before further spells with Watford, Walsall and Forest Green Rovers prior to hanging up his boots.
Having finished his playing career Tony studied for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Science at Coventry University, while at the same time working as fitness coach with Forest Green and also some of Aston Villa's young players, including Gabriel Agbonlahor.
On completing his degree Tony secured the position of fitness and conditioning coach at Sheffield United, where he spent four years before joining Wolves in the same position in September, 2007.
His attention to detail and meticulous fitness regimes quickly secured the respect of backroom colleagues and players alike as Wolves sought to develop a young and athletic squad.
Tony has since revamped Wolves' approach to fitness and conditioning with the rest of the club's backroom staff and introduced various new techniques which helped the team becoming renowned for their levels of fitness.
He also graduated with a Masters degree in Applied Sports Science and Exercise in the summer of 2010.
Phil Hayward
Head of Medical Department
BSc (Hons.) PgDip MCSP MMACP
Phil joined the club in 2008, as Academy Physiotherapist and has progressed through the ranks, being appointed to his present role at the beginning of the 2012 season. He qualified as a physiotherapist from Manchester School of Physiotherapy in 2005 and spent time working in the NHS as an out-patient physiotherapist whilst also holding the post of Head Physiotherapist at Oldham Rugby League Football Club.
Phil holds membership of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP) having completed a post graduate diploma in manual therapy at Coventry University in 2011 where he acts as a visiting lecturer on both the BSc and MSc programmes.
Phil's role involves managing the multi-disciplinary medical department and working with the first team squad in order to facilitate players’ return from injury as quickly as possible and to ensure strategies are in place to minimise their risk of injury wherever possible.
Jazz Sodhi
Head of EDS/Academy Medical Department
BSC (hons), MSCP SRP
Jazz qualified as a physiotherapist from Keele University in 2006. Since qualifying, Jazz had been working full time within the NHS at West Park Hospital's specialist outpatients department.
He joined the club in 2006 as a part time physiotherapist and moved to a full time position within the club in 2009. At the start of the 2011/12 season Jazz took on the role of Head Academy Physiotherapist and assisted the academy in attaining category one status, as one of the top 20 academies in the country.
Jazz’s current position involves being the lead physiotherapist for the elite development squad whilst overseeing the medical provision for the academy. His main role is to co-ordinate the multi-disciplinary team throughout the academy to ensure the smooth operation of the medical provision provided. Jazz is also involved in assessment and rehabilitation of the first team squad.
Jazz has a diploma in Orthopaedic Medicine, and is nearing completion of his postgraduate diploma in manual therapy. Jazz is hoping to complete his MSc in 2014.
Carl Howarth
First Team Physiotherapist
Carl qualified from the University of Manchester in 2005 and initially worked within the NHS where he reached the role of specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist.
At the same time he was working in a part-time capacity for Bolton Wanderers, a role he fulfilled for five seasons.
He then moved on to spent just over a season as Head Academy Physiotherapist at Birmingham City before joining Wolves in October, 2011.
Carl is to work primarily with the Development Squad which provides the bridge between Academy and first team as well as working with the Academy youngsters as well.
He is also currently attending Birmingham University studying for a Masters degree in advanced manipulative physiotherapy.
He was also previously a youth team player and professional at Everton FC where he was part of the FA Youth Cup winning side of 1998. After that he also continued to play semi professionally for several teams.
Steven Polley
Senior Academy Physiotherapist
BSc (hons), MCSP, AACP
Steven qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2007. Following qualification he worked in the NHS at the Royal Derby Hospital as a Rotational Physiotherapist. During this time he also worked for the Birmingham City Academy.
Steve made the move to Nottingham Forest as Academy Rehabilitation Physiotherapist he spent just over two years. I this time Steve became an accredited acupuncture practitioner.
In December 2012 Steve joined Wolverhampton Wanderers as the Senior Academy Physiotherapist; this role primarily involves working with the U18 squad. In addition to his work with the U.18’s, Steven is also attending Birmingham University studying for a FA endorsed Masters Degree in Exercise and Sports Medicine (Football).
Alex Bonney
Academy Physiotherapist
BSc (Hons), MCSP
Alex qualified as a physiotherapist from The University of Birmingham with a First Class Degree in 2010 and gained experience in the NHS as a junior rotational physiotherapist before joining Wolves for her first full time post in football.
Alex joined the club in April 2011 as a part time physiotherapist with the Academy, providing medical support for the U9-U16 teams during training sessions and on match days. Alongside this, Alex also volunteered her time to assist the full time physios at Wolves with the Schoolboy injury clinics twice a week.
Alex was appointed to her present role of full time Academy Physiotherapist in October 2012.
Alex’s role involves the assessment and treatment of all Academy players (U9-U16) whilst also overseeing the preventative rehabilitation strategies integrated into the Schoolboy day release programme that runs once a week for the U12-U16s.
Kevin Enright
Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach
BSc (Hons), ASCC,
Kevin joined Wolves in June 2009.
Kevin holds a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Ulster and is an accredited member of the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA)
Prior to joining Wolves, Kevin supported a wide range of elite athletes. This had been mainly in the provision of Strength and Conditioning and Exercise Physiology support within the Scottish Institute of Sport network and with Falkirk Football Club (via the University of Stirling).
Kevin's role as Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach at Wolves allows him to oversee the Strength and Conditioning support serves both at academy and at 1st team level. Working closely with Tony Daley, Kevin’s aim is to ensure all first team players are fit and ready for competition.
Dan Lothian
Physical Performance Coach
Dan joined Wolves in the summer of 2009 as an addition to the clubs Sports Science department.
He has previously completed a BSc (Hons) degree at Liverpool John Moores in Physical Activity, Exercise and Health and is currently studying a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology at the same University. Dan is also working towards becoming an accredited strength and conditioning coach with the UK Strength and Conditioning association (UKSCA).
Dan works alongside John Iga, with his main focus to maximise physical performance with the U18s and the academy.
Jonathan Fenner
Lead Sport Scientist (Academy)
Jonathan has a degree in Sport Science with Coaching and a Masters in Sport and Exercise Science both from Sheffield Hallam University and is currently studying for a PhD through Staffordshire University alongside his duties at the club.
Jonathan has previously worked at Sheffield United for a year and Rotherham United for 2 years.
Alongside Jonathan work at Wolves and his studying he also is an Exercise Scientist for the Midlands Elite Performance Camp training potential U15 England girls to make the step up to international football.
Jonathan's role at the club is to deliver on-field physical conditioning and strength and conditioning support services to academy players.
Matt Wignall
Lead Soft Tissue Therapist
Matt is now in his sixth season at Wolves and works with the senior squad for training and pre-match preparation.
This applies to home games at Molineux and away games with Matt travelling with the first team squad to all fixtures.
He also takes on added responsibilities by helping to deliver the Functional Movement Screening programme which has become part of the first team's regular fitness schedule.
He will shortly be obtaining qualifications in Manual Instrument Therapy which will extend the range of treatments he is able to offer.
Matt has over seven years' experience working within the health and fitness industry as a fitness instructor and personal trainer.
Ben Mortlock
Lead Sports Therapist
MSc, BSc (Hons.)
Ben Qualified in Sports Therapy from the University of Teesside in 2008 and began working for Grimsby Town FC. Whilst at Grimsby, Ben completed an MSc in Sports Injury Management at Sheffield Hallam University.
Following his time at Grimsby, Ben moved to London for the 2011-2012 season and worked at Barnet as under 18’s Sports Therapist and Tottenham Hotspur as part time first team soft tissue therapist.
Ben's role involves both preparation of the first team squad for training and match days whilst also assisting 1st team physio, Carl Howarth with preventative rehabilitation.
Dr Matthew Perry
Club Doctor
MBChB (Birmingham); MRCGP; DRCOG MSc (Warwick); MSc (Bath)
Matt joined Wolves as Academy Doctor in 2001 and has been Club Doctor since 2002 serving the team under the last four managers attending every first team game - home and away - and all home reserve games.
He also holds clinics at the training ground twice a week.
He has a Masters in Sports and Exercise Medicine from Bath with his dissertation on Circadian Rhythms.
He is also a founding member of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine and the Premier League Doctors Association and has worked with the England Under 19s in the European Championships.
Matt has an interest in Ultrasound Scanning and Ultrasound guided injections for joint and soft tissue injuries.
Dr Chris Tomlinson
First Team Doctor
Chris is an experienced Sports Physician.
He spent eight years at Shrewsbury Town as Club Doctor, and worked with England Youth squads from U16-U20 levels, including an U17's World Cup Finals in South Korea.
Chris worked at both the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics, and is Chief Medical Officer to Archery GB. He has been a Sports Physician at the English Institute of Sport for the past 4 years, and has travelled with teams for UK Athletics, The British Olympic Association and GB Gymnastics.
He has an MSc in Sports Medicine and a PGCert in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound.
Jeremy Bradley
Academy Doctor
Dr Jeremy Bradley has been working with the Academy since 2002.
He has been a General Practitioner at Albrighton, Wolverhampton since 1995. As well as seeing patients he trains junior doctors who wish to be GP's.
He has a Sports Medicine Diploma from Bath University in 2008.
David Young
Performance Psychologist
BSc (hons) MSc (Chichester)
David joined the club as consultant performance psychologist in the the summer of 2012 having worked for six years with the England & Wales Cricket Board.
He works from academy through to first team both directly with the players and with the coaching staff with the aim of helping to produce psychologically resilient, team focussed footballers at all levels of the club.
He also continues to work with England cricket and an number of the world's top ranked squash players.
Caroline Fortey
Podiatrist
Bsc (hons) Pod, MSc (distinction) SRCh, MChS, HPC reg
Caroline has worked for Wolves since 2003 as Academy Podiatrist and was then appointed as first team Podiatrist in 2009.
Caroline qualified in 1995 and gained experience in the NHS, setting up a private practice in Lichfield and also instigating and directing biomechanics clinics specialising in athletics and marathon running at Spires (then BUPA) hospital Little Aston.
Prior to joining Wolves, Caroline worked at Coventry FC whilst continuing to establish her private practice. Caroline has recently completed her MSc (with distinction) and is embarking on a Phd in October 2013.
Caroline's predominate role is to maintain foot tissue viability of the first team, reserves and academy squads also closely supporting the physio team with biomechanical assessment and rehabilitation.
Daniel Kings
Performance Nutritionist
BSc (hons) MSc RD
Daniel has over 12 years experience working with high performance athletes. His innovative and applied approach to performance nutrition has won respect and praise at the highest level.
He is a specialist in team sports and combines his role at Wolves with recently taking control of performance nutrition within the English Institute of Sport for GB Hockey, Harlequins Rugby Union and GB synchronized swimming.
Prior to working with the Wolves Dan has worked with several other Premier football clubs including, Tottenham Hotspur FC, West Ham FC and Manchester United FC. He was also the successful fulltime performance nutritionist for seven years with the Senior Welsh Rugby Team across the two grand slam winning periods.
Jenny Carter
Performance Nutritionist
Jenny has a degree in Nutrition, Health and Lifestyles from Sheffield Hallam University.
Jenny is a registered Nutritionist with the Nutrition Society.
She is also a qualified Reps Level 2 & 3 Personal Trainer and Exercise To Music (ETM) Instructor.
She has experience in a range of areas and specialises in Sports Nutrition and Weight Management.