Tony Strudwick: Low pay risks ‘black hole’ in player care
Written by
Simon Austin
May 20, 2026
Performance pioneer Tony Strudwick has warned of a “black hole” in the future care of players because young physios and sports scientists are being “driven away” from the game by “low pay, long hours and a longing to balance work and life.”
Strudwick is one of the most experienced and respected leaders in football performance. Currently Director of Medical at West Brom, he has also been Head of Performance for Manchester United, Wales and England.
At United, he was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s inner circle and helped the club win multiple Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Writing on LinkedIn, Strudwick said he had a “concern about the next generation of young practitioners wanting to find their way in the professional world of football.”
He added: “Young physiotherapists, bound by an intellectual curiosity to pave a way into the world of football, are being driven away by low pay, long hours and a contemporary longing to balance work and life.
“Tempted by the NHS salary at the same grade and increased remuneration afforded by the state. Difficult to justifying working long hours for the love of the game.
“Society has changed. Football has driven the basic salaries to the lowest level to balance the spreadsheets. As for the brilliant young sports scientists, it’s a commitment to start on a low wage in the hope of fast progression.
“If we are not careful, there will be a black hole in the future care of our players.”
Strudwick finished by calling on the PFA, FA and Premier League – ”all key stakeholders” – to “set some benchmarks and funding for the future of the game.”
“Duty of care should drive minimum salaries and opportunities for the next generation,” he added.
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