Tottenham Hotspur Restructures Medical Department
In a significant shake-up, Tottenham Hotspur have restructured their medical department for the second consecutive summer after navigating an injury-laden campaign last season. Key personnel, Adam Brett and Nick Davies, have exited the club, prompting Spurs to initiate a search for their replacements.
Departures and New Appointments
Adam Brett, who held the position of director of performance services, was instrumental in areas including sports science, medical care, nutrition, and psychology. Nick Davies, previously the head of sports science, is rumored to be moving to another football club, further illustrating the substantial turnover in the medical team following past difficulties.
To address these changes, Nick Stubbings, formerly with Brentford, has been appointed as the medical lead. Stubbings joins Spurs alongside at least four other staff members who have followed new head coach Thomas Frank from the Gtech Community Stadium.
Challenges Faced in the Previous Season
This restructuring comes in the wake of a tumultuous 2024-25 season under Frank’s predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, where the team suffered from a vengeful wave of injuries to key players such as Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, and Guglielmo Vicario, leading to an unfortunate 22 losses in the league.
Despite lifting the Europa League trophy after a final victory against Manchester United — marking the club’s first major honor in 17 years — Postecoglou was dismissed, underscoring that a single trophy could not redeem a disappointing league performance.
Background of Departing Staff
Brett and Davies, who were appointed just last summer, had replaced Geoff Scott, the former head of medicine and sports science, amidst a broader revamp initiated by erstwhile chief football officer Scott Munn, who is presently on gardening leave after his own departure.
Throughout his career, Brett transitioned from rugby union to football, having previously worked as Brighton’s head physiotherapist, whereas Davies brought experience from his previous stints at West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, and the Welsh national team.
New Additions and Future Focus
Additionally, Tom Perryman has joined the ranks as a strength and conditioning coach, further bolstering the club’s sports science team, which has seen rapid changes after the tumultuous 2024 season where injuries plagued key players. Postecoglou had expressed concerns about players suffering recurring injuries; notably, Romero’s quad issue occurred mere minutes into his return from a toe injury, while Van de Ven also saw a setback with a hamstring problem that kept him out for an extended period.
The overhaul seems part of Chairman Daniel Levy‘s strategy to prevent a repeat of last year’s poor league form, as Frank steps into the role of head coach, accompanied by new executive Vinai Venkatesham and additional changes within the club’s hierarchy, including the resignation of long-standing executive Donna-Maria Cullen. With a renewed focus on player health and performance, Spurs are determined to shift course for the upcoming season.
