Expert salutes ‘great move’ as West Brom poach Tony Strudwick from Arsenal
Tony Strudwick’s step up from head of academy performance at Arsenal to medical director at West Brom is a “great move”.
That is the view of medical expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in injury and data analysis.
As relayed by Training Ground Guru last Tuesday (5 July), Strudwick has completed his move to the Hawthorns.
The 49-year-old is also head of performance for the Wales national team and will continue in his role while working for the Baggies.
Dinnery explained what his new and more senior role with West Brom will encompass.
“You’re moving from an academy environment and the pressure will increase,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“Your role was to oversee the academy in every aspect and form those links to the first team. You have to implement that continuity in terms of the football the manager is trying to play with the first team.
“There is a lot going on there. But once you move to head of medical with the first team, you’re more accountable. It’s a lot more results-based. You’re the guy that has to answer the questions.
“You have to oversee ongoing assessment programmes, diagnoses, imaging, return-to-play timelines and injury burden.
“You’re answering questions from stakeholders. You have to explain and consult with these senior guys. So, it’s a great move and the roles are very similar in a lot of ways but they couldn’t be further apart in others.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire claims Guochuan Lai using West Brom as a “piggybank” amid “£80m” reveal.