Lancashire take top medical accolade

Dave Roberts is an integral part of Lancashire's medical set-up, which has been commended for the third year running

Lancashire’s medical set-up has been marked as the best in English cricket for 2009.

Following the yearly, ECB-commissioned Injury Prevention and Management Review (IPMR) Audit of the medical set-up at each first-class county, MCC and at ECB, Lancashire’s set-up for the professional playing staff has emerged top for third consecutive year.

Lancashire’s medical staff, which includes former England physio David Roberts as the club’s medical consultant, also has Sam Byrne as physio, Alex Horn as strength and conditioning coach and Dr Simon Morris to work alongside the playing staff on a full-time basis.

The county achieved a 93.9% rating, up from 88% last year.

LCCC Cricket Director Mike Watkinson said: “Cricketers are now full-time professionals where not only their skills, but their bodies are finely tuned to maximise performance throughout an extended season.

“In light of these changes, injury prevention and management has become even more important and that is why we decided several years ago to invest in a medical set-up that caters for the total needs of a professional cricketer.

“Congratulations must go to Sam, Alex and Simon for all their continued hard work and diligence in delivering a service of the highest standard and this national recognition is just rewards for their efforts.”

Lancashire’s head coach, Peter Moores, added: “This is fantastic recognition for Lancashire and acknowledges the systems the club have established.

“They continually go the extra mile and their approach and knowledge is second to none.

“To top the ECB’s audit three years in a row is an outstanding achievement and something we are immensely proud of.”