Andy Jones

Co-Founder

Andy began his career back in 1977 with the Royal Navy. Andy left the Navy in 1985 to take up a role as a Physiotherapy Manager in Beaumont Hospital Bolton before moving to Hope Hospital to become Superintendent Physiotherapist. This early-career history has given Andy a vast background in a medical condition not just limited to Physiotherapy.

Andy made the move into professional football in 1987 with Chester City FC Andy spent the next 10 years working for Chester, Preston North End FC, and Burnley FC, before making his big move to Everton FC, having been recruited for the role of Head Physiotherapist at Everton FC. Having spent 2 years at Everton FC Andy was headhunted for a move down south with up and coming Charlton Athletic FC to run their medical department and become Head of Medical Services. During his time in professional football, Andy has had the privilege to work with some of the best players in the world and experience all the delights and sorrows that elite professional football has to offer.

Andy moved away from professional football in 2002 to build up his private practice. After doing this for a number of years Andy took up a role with Wigan Warriors RLFC, becoming Head Academy Physiotherapist on a part-time basis, a role, which he combined with his other work.

Andy began teaching Higher Education in 2007 when he took a role as Senior Lecturer in Sports Therapy at Edge Hill University. He has since gone on to become the Programme Leader for Sports Therapy and the MSc. Football Rehabilitation programmes. Andy has lectured nationally and internationally and has a vast amount of experience on a broad range of topics.

Gareth Thomas

Co-Founder

Gareth studied at Edge Hill University where he graduated with Frist Class Honours in 2009. Since then he has worked in various roles across multiple sports. Most notably Gareth spent 10 years at Morecambe FC 2009-2019. He began working with the youth team, providing pitch side cover. Gareth then led the sports science and medicine department transition into the EPPP system (Elite Player Performance Plan), Following this he progressed through to working with the 1st Team where he spent the last 5 years.

Gareth has combined his work in the sport with a part-time role working in Occupational Health for IPRS Health and running his own private practice in South Wales from 2009-2013. For the past 6 years Gareth has provided clinical training for IPRS Mediquipe for all of its isokinetic users and customers. 

Gareth has worked with Andy for 6 years at The Physiotherapy Centre Preston before it’s rebranding in 2015. Gareth became a partner and co-founder of Scholars Therapies playing a more active role in the business. Since leaving Morecambe FC  in June 2019 Gareth has devoted this time to growing and developing the business in Chorley.