Head of Sports Science joins Pittodrie backroom staff

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Aberdeen Football Club has again demonstrated that it's ahead of the game with the announcing of the appointment of its first ever Head of Sports Science.

 

Graham Kirk, who previously worked with Derek McInnes at St. Johnstone, joins from the Perth club in a move that is being supported by local energy services company ROVOP.

 

The Dons manager believes Graham arrival will definitely enhance the squad's ability to prepare for matches. "I'm delighted to have Graham on board and, having worked with him previously, I know exactly what I'm going to get which is namely a great addition to the staff.

 

"The players will enjoy working with him and it's fantastic that the Directors here share my belief as to how important this side of the game is. Also, a huge thanks to Steven Gray and his team at ROVOP for their contribution, which is hugely appreciated and we look forward to a healthy working partnership going forward."

 

Pittodrie vice-chairman George Yule commented. "The Board is committed to delivering success to our loyal supporters and our investment in this appointment will I am certain add value to the football management and play an important aspect in fending off the lengthy injury lists that have impacted over the past few seasons."

 

When approached by Derek, Graham had no hesitation in making the move to the north east. "Aberdeen is a massive club and having worked with Derek and Tony at St. Johnstone, it was an easy decision to make. It's very early days but everyone at the Club has made me feel really welcome and there is a tremendously positive atmosphere throughout the place."

 

A graduate of Stirling University, Graham, who is married to Jackie and has a son, Connor (2 this month), joined St. Johnstone on a part time basis in 2008 before becoming full time two years ago.

 

Award-winning Aberdeenshire subsea specialist company, ROVOP, has helped kick start Graham's new post by providing £20,000 of vital sponsorship funding.

 

Headquartered in Westhill, ROVOP is an independent company which 100% focused on providing remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and services to the oil & gas and offshore wind industries.

 

ROVOP's managing director, Steven Gray, said: "Graham is a valuable addition to the Dons' coaching team. We are pleased to support his new role. Maximising team performance through advanced technology is a key aspect of the ROVOP Academy. That is how we develop our own personnel and when we heard Aberdeen FC was looking for a partner for their sport science initiative, we were keen to get involved.

 

"We wish Graham all the very best in his new post and are sure that he will help the Dons to continue building on their winning form this season."

- See more at: http://www.afc.co.uk/articles/20131003/pittodrie-first-as-head-of-sports-science-joins-backroom-staff_2212158_3479618#sthash.DSc5wwwe.dpuf

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Decent.

[scotfree]

Can only help.

[TENEMENTFUNSTER]

Today's sport science homework.

 

Please be less shite.

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I suggest we give him a chance up front against United, see what he can do.