FA rub off major coup as Arsenal's top physio Gary Lewin's joins England full-time - Sport - Evening Standard
       

FA rub off major coup as Arsenal's top physio Gary Lewin's joins England full-time

The FA have won a pivotal club versus country battle despite missing out on Euro 2008 by persuading leading physio Gary Lewin to leave Arsenal and join England full-time.

Lewin, widely recognised as the best in the business in England, has combined working for Arsenal and England since 1996, but national boss Fabio Capello's desire for a permanent physio has forced Lewin into making the choice.

Full-time job: England defender John Terry is put through his paces by Gary Lewin

Full-time job: England defender John Terry is put through his paces by Gary Lewin


His decision to leave Arsenal after 21 years as first-team physio, having joined the club as an apprentice goalkeeper in 1980, will be hammer blow to Arsene Wenger, who has worked closely with Lewin on all cutting-edge sports science and medical issues since the start of his managerial revolution.

As with the departure of vice chairman David Dein, Wenger is losing a friend and confidant from his inner circle following years of stability at the club.

Lewin was highly popular with the players and credited with saving striker Eduardo's career after his horror injury at Birmingham.

A considerable pay rise and the opportunity to travel the world between international matches learning about the latest football treatment techniques helped 44-year-old Lewin decide on the move.

His daily expertise being available to the FA across all team levels will also assist the up and coming search for a performance director.

Comments

Don't Miss
Rock star: Erin Wasson

Rock star

Erin Wasson is the ultimate anti-supermodel
Maybe it’s because she’s a Londoner … Happy anniversary, Ma’am

Happy anniversary

The monarchy has become stronger and more respected in the past 60 years
Victoria Coren: My obsession with children, five proposals a week and why David and I are no power couple

Victoria Coren

David Mitchell and I are no power couple
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview party

Summer party

Stars at the The Royal Academy of Arts
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
The Glamour Awards - stars turn on the style

Glamour Awards

Stars turn on the style
Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party

Garden party

Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink
FIRST review of Ridley Scott's latest sci-fi blockbuster Prometheus

First review

Is Ridley Scott's Prometheus any good?
Fair-weather goths

Fair-weather goths

The sultry shades of summer darks are coming out of the shadows
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity