Everton’s Chief Physiotherapist, Steve Hardwick, is the man who has helped both Paul Gascoigne and Duncan Ferguson regain their fitness for Premiership action. He can also take credit for resolving much of Everton’s injury crisis’ over recent times. A former physiotherapist with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, he is used to clearing the decks!
Name: Stephen Hardwick
Born: 1959
Where did you train and when?
“Joint Services School of Physiotherapy, 1978 – 1981.”
Have you completed any other courses that are relevant to treating sports injuries?
“Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Injury, Neuromusculoskeletal Dysfunction and Manual Therapy and an MSc in Sports and Exercise Science.”
How long have you worked in professional football?
“Fifteen years as a physiotherapist.”
Where did you work before getting a job in professional football?
“Six years in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, and four years in a sports injury clinic at a private hospital.”
With international tournaments and competitions, like the Intertoto Cup, the top players are playing virtually all year. Do you think the Premiership should consist of fewer teams and incorporate a winter break like the rest of Europe?
“Recent statistics have shown that the majority of injuries are in pre-season and actually decrease through the season. It’s therefore worth wondering if we should have a shorter summer break and a winter break.”
How do you overcome the communication difficulties when treating some of the foreign players who don’t speak much English?
“Other foreign players will help; otherwise we would employ an interpreter.”
New laws over the past few years have targetted dangerous play such as the tackle from behind. From a physios point of view what one thing about the game would you like to see changed?
“The use of a ‘sin bin’ along with the card system.”
What’s the worst injury you’ve had to deal with on the pitch?
“A ‘de-sleeving’ of the upper anterior tibia , caused by studs, and a multiple facial injury caused by an elbow.”
And the funniest incident?
“Involving myself. Kneeling on the touchline waiting to attend a head injury. A totally unaware linesman, galloping back with the direction of play hit me and did what was described as a cartwheel. Both shocked, bruised and dazed we continued with embarrassed smiles.”< top of page