Andy Ireland

07 May, 2008 | 13:05

NAME

Andy Ireland

NICKNAME(S)

Known by the team as “AI” (for obvious reasons). Also known as 'Needles' (for running after the team with long acupuncture needles)....and probably known by a few others that I don’t know about!!

AGE

A (very young) 36

ROLE

Jamie’s physiotherapist

 

IT'S MY JOB TO...

Work as a team with Matt to maximise Jamie's’s physical performance.

I will explain - playing tennis at a high-level places incredible demands on the body. Over time, if a player does not receive corrective treatment, muscle imbalances, inflexibilities, and weaknesses can develop. By correcting these underlying problems I can help Andy to remain as injury-free as is possible, whilst also maximising his physical performance.

Unfortunately not all injuries and ‘niggles’ can be prevented, so when they do occur, it is my role to minimise the recovery time and maximise healing rates. Recovery techniques following a match or a training session are an integral part of this.

Sometimes I seem to spend more time putting the old men on the team back together again than I do on Jamie – (no names mentioned - you know who you are!).

IF I WASN'T DOING THIS...

I’d probably get a proper job!

In all seriousness, when I’m not travelling with Andy I work as physiotherapist at the Lawn Tennis Association’s National Tennis Centre in Roehampton with the rest of the GB tennis players. I also have a clinic in Surrey.

NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THIS BUT...

...I'm a self confessed gadget freak. Let's say no more.

IN AN ARM WRESTLE I WOULD BEAT...

Someone with tiny arms

 FAVOURITE BAND/MUSIC

Queen, REM, Radiohead, Annie Lennox, Mika

FAVOURITE FILM

Leon, Vanilla Sky, The Alien films, 28 Days Later

 FUNNIEST MEMBER OF THE TEAM?

"Funny peculiar”, or “funny ha ha”? Definitely Treacle on both counts.

FAVOURITE FOOD?

Lately I’ve started to love sushi. I used to be an avid vegetarian and homity pie has stuck with me as one of my favourites (potato, cheese, onion an garlic pie).

 
CAREER HIGHLIGHT TO DATE?

Well, I have to say working with Jamie and Andy Murray don’t I?! I’ve also enjoyed working with Tim and Greg touring with the Davis cup as the team physio.

Apart from tennis, I have treated a well-known supermodel, Saudi Royalty, and various sporting and TV celebrities.

MY TOP TIP

Never try and give a tennis player hair styling tips (again, no names mentioned).