IT MAY seem hard to believe but Jamie Thorpe is now in his 12th season at Somerset CCC, having joined as lead physio back in 2014.

Since then his role has changed considerably and he has recently become the Club’s Clinical Director and Physiotherapy Support for the men's, women's and pathway cricketers.

“I’ve moved away from the Men’s First XI physiotherapy role, into a role where I now oversee the medical provision for both the men and the women, as opposed to being Head of Science and Medicine for just the men. It’s now very much more a role overseeing the club’s clinical services,” Jamie said.

“Like all other areas of the club we have to be evolving and we have got to try and progress our service. Naturally the game will move on and progress as a product while the ECB will inevitably drive standards from their end and therefore I think it’s our job to be delivering the best medical provision we can here at Somerset"

He talked about the challenges that this new role provides him with. "I’m always looking to push the boundaries, both personally and professionally. I’m always looking for a challenge and ways to develop myself. The nice thing about being here at Somerset is that it feels like my role has progressed regularly.

“I started off as lead physio before becoming head of science and medicine, while now I have moved into the clinical director role. The role has been challenging but very rewarding and I’m enjoying it.’

So what does his new role mean in practical terms? “I’m now going to be based at the ground, more overseeing the department and supporting our Senior and Pathway practitioners.

“This new structure will allow the practitioners to be fully player focussed and deliver the best service to support our athletes and optimise their performance and recovery. This has been supported by increased commitment in club medical officer provision which will support my role with overseeing medical governance, policy and procedures.

“There are roughly 40 senior men, Boys Academy and Pathway players and now with the women joining there are a further 25 athletes overall that we are responsible for. that doesn’t include the talent and county age group squads.

“With a bigger team we want to make sure that we are able to have a positive impact on players health, wellbeing and development further down the chain.

Jamie went on: “The change in role brings a new challenge which is exciting but it also closes doors. I definitely miss being around the players, coaches and the dressing room camaraderie which I enjoyed, but this lends an opportunity to work with a variety of squads and gain a deeper understanding of what is required to support and drive a first class medical department for Somerset County Cricket Club in this new era.

“The reason I became a physio is because I wanted to help people and the fact that I have been able to do this for 12 seasons has been truly amazing and has been my passion.”

Jamie added: “ Moving forwards I am still excited to help people, just in a different way. Now I have a new challenge where I get to support a fantastic group of practitioners in their journeys within the organisation and watch them go onto achieve wonderful things.”