Gilpin joins Portsmouth in new Performance Director role

“Stephen will be responsible for overseeing medical and performance structures within the club, while working closely with the coaching staff regarding the periodisation of training,” said Sporting Director Rich Hughes.

“He will be working to provide a proactive injury prevention strategy to maximise availability and optimise performance.”

His remit covers first team, Academy and women’s teams and is part of a wider revamp behind the scenes at Fratton Park. Portsmouth have recently advertised for a Set Piece and Training Analyst and a Performance Analyst on TGG.

“My primary focus will be on creating a high performance environment that maximises player potential and readiness, drives physical performance and ultimately makes a positive impact where it matters most – on the pitch,” said Gilpin.

“I cannot wait to get started and play my part in the future success of this great football club.”

Chief Executive Andrew Cullen said Gilpin’s appointment was “an important one for us as we continue to strengthen the performance support around the first team, academy and women’s teams”.

“Stephen will have a key role in bringing together the different areas that contribute to player preparation, physical performance and the day-to-day support of the squad, working closely with John, Rich and the wider football staff,” said Cullen.

“We were impressed by his approach, his experience and his understanding of what a high-performing environment needs to look like.”

From physio to Performance Director

Before Wolves, Gilpin had two spells at Rotherham United, as Head of Medical from 2017 to 2019 and then Head of Performance from 2020. In between, he spent a season as First Team Senior Physiotherapist at Hull City, having started out as First Team Physiotherapist at Sheffield Wednesday in 2013.

Gilpin launched Prostate United with Ross Burbeary in 2018, when the pair were working together at Rotherham, in tribute to his late grandfather, who had died of prostate cancer.

The challenge, which asks football staff to run, cycle or walk every day in October to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK, raised £7,500 in its first year. Now it has passed £1.5m, with every Premier League club and most of the Football League taking part. Gilpin and Burbeary have also attended a reception at St James’s Palace in 2024 in recognition of their work.

“Often, practitioners are caught inside the bubble of their own clubs and there’s a reluctance to share secrets,” Gilpin told TGG at the time. “Prostate United has brought everyone together and that’s been quite moving.”