allo allo part Tois

The third and final installment of the Wolves 3 day diary in Perpignan and a look into one of the background staffs vital roles behind the scenes

Game Day Preparation by Paul (Geezer) Doherty - Head Physio

All through the trip to France the backroom staff are busy ensuring the players keep hydrated, avoid too much sun, eat properly and rest accordingly so as to peak for tonights game.

Specifically from the physios perspective Paul explains;
"We are in a unique environment when we play here, training on harder grounds and coping with high temperatures, the most common complaint being blisters, which if not treated apropriately can turn into a nasty problem. These may seem like simple problems but they do require our attention to keep players on their feet, quite literally."

"All players are fully assessed before and after training sessions to ensure they are in the best shape to train, and ultimately play."

The Wolves have an excellent Medical Team at their disposal, as well as Paul there is Peter "Jock" Fawcett who is on the staff as a masseur is also a full time charge nurse in an ICU unit and is a vital assett to both Paul and the club Doctor Paul Stockton in wound management. Together with the conditioning team of Paul Stridgeon and Nick Forrester the Wolves have a very professional and able team behind the scenes.

One and half hours before kick off the team arrive at the stadium where Paul will set to work "strapping". "Strapping" is a preventative form of medication, mainly on ankles but also on elbows, knees and shoulders. It is done to avoid excessive stress on these specific joints. To get through 10-12 players pre-match means working speedily and efficiently ensuring smooth "strapping" is applied as any creasing may cause further blsiters and damage. Meanwhile Jock and the Doc are rubbing players down in preparation for the game.

During the game Pauls primary function is to monitor players injuries, treatment and knocks in order to maximise playing time for the club. Paul stays on duty for at least the next 24 hours due to the high impact, adrenalin fuelled nature of the engage Super League as this can often mask the true extent of the injuries.