Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly keen to add Manchester United’s Tony Strudwick.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, Sheffield Wednesday boss Steve Bruce wants to add Manchester United head of athletic performance Tony Strudwick to his backroom staff at Hillsborough.
Strudwick, a former lower league player, gave up playing early and moved into coaching. After spells with the FA, West Ham United and Blackburn Rovers, he joined United in the summer of 2007.
He has since spent over a decade at Old Trafford, initially working as a fitness coach under then manager Sir Alex Ferguson before being appointed United’s head of athletic development focusing on academy players.
Strudwick has worked alongside several top-quality players, with one of his main contributions being to the physical development of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
The five-time Champions League winner had his best season at United in 2007-08, scoring an incredible 42 goals in all competitions as the Red Devils won the Premier League and Champions League double.
Ronaldo went on to score another 26 goals the following season before moving to Real Madrid, with Strudwick citing him as a unique athlete willing to go the extra mile in an interview for Fourfourtwo.
Wednesday may not have a squad of players with such natural talent, but Bruce could be looking at Strudwick to come in and work with the senior squad to improve their fitness levels for next season.
Since Bruce’s arrival, the Owls went on playoff form to the end of the season which included a 12-game unbeaten run. Many at Hillsborough have witnessed a stark improvement in team performance.
The Yorkshire club now have a big summer ahead of them as they seek to improve the squad and push for the top six next term. Strengthening the backroom staff, however, could be just as important.
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