Penrith FC Physio Susan Pollock's magic sponge is pure tartan !

As previously reported there are a number of links between Penrith AFC and Scotland with the Cumbrian club having, quite literally, ‘friendly’ relationships with a number of clubs north of the border. I also found out yesterday that the current manager, Matt Henney, used to play for Gretna. However, the main tartan influence at Frenchfield stadium is Scottish Physio Susan Pollock.

Susan still lives just over the border in Gretna where she has been based for 20 years. She is originally from Dumfries. She has provided medical support for football clubs for 12 years. She originally worked at Gretna Football Club starting in 2004 after being invited to join the medical team by then Assistant Manager David Irons. She worked with Gretna FC, on its famous and exciting journey through the Scottish Leagues to reach top flight in the Scottish Premier League. Our paths cross here as Gretna most famously were beaten on penalties in the 2006 Scottish Cup Final after finishing 1-1 after extra time by my beloved Hearts. I am pretty sure that Susan will have different memories of this match than I have (see my post from Sunday July 3^rd). Susan tells me that only two years after this Hampden high all staff and players were made redundant in May 2008 when the club went into administration. 

Susan then began a BSc Hons in Diagnostic Radiography at the University of Cumbria and took on a role with Workington Reds to work under manager Darren Edmondson (previously a community coach at Gretna) and assistant manager Viv Busby, former coach at Gretna and who notably played with George Best at Fulham. Susan was there for 4 years but due to the extensive traveling commitments moved to Penrith FC to allow her time to concentrate on the final year of her MSc in Physiotherapy.  Matthew Henney, manager at Penrith had been a player at Workington and quite clearly admired Susan’s work and invited her to join the backroom team at Penrith in 2013. This will be Susan’s 4th season at Penrith.

 

The current Penrith AFC squad: Susan Pollock is top left

I asked Susan if she felt there was anything specifically Scottish in her outlook that benefits the Penrith team. She replied that she considers that she has a ‘no nonsense’ approach and also that she is able to have a laugh too. She gives sympathy when required and a kick up the backside when not.  She is quite hard on players sometimes but she tells me that they know it's usually for their own good! I reckon it is this combination of empathy, fair play and honesty that has served so many Scots well in English football throughout the years. Sir Alex and Bill Shankly spring immediately to mind.

I am so grateful to Susan for conducting an email  interview to allow me to write this post. Susan also told me that all Northern league clubs also have the Scottish link to Brooks Mileson (former chairman of Gretna FC) as they play in the 'Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup'. On the Road to Wembley from Scotland throughout season 2016-17 I hope to engage in dialogue with a whole load of Scots contributing to the beautiful game in England who I meet along the way. Good luck to Susan Pollock and to Penrith for the forthcoming season.