According to The Athletic, Arsenal are set to appoint Dr. Zafar Iqbal as head of sports medicine.
Iqbal will move across London from Crystal Palace when his notice period expires at the end of the season to fill a position vacated by Gary O’Driscoll, who joined Manchester United in September.
Iqbal, 53, has spent the last eight and a half years at Crystal Palace in a similar role having previously held positions at Kent County Cricket Club, Liverpool (who he supports), Sp*rs and Leyton Orient. Throughout his career, he’s also volunteered extensively.
He studied medical sciences at Leeds University then headed to St Bartholomew’s Hospital and the Royal London School of Medicine to complete his clinical studies. A master’s degree in sports medicine at Queen Mary’s followed as did a diploma in primary care rheumatology from Bath.
Since O’Driscoll moved north, reportedly for family reasons, Arsenal have leaned on Dr. Florence Newton and other members of the medical and performance team to help cover.
I’ve actually heard quite a few United fans unhappy with O’Driscoll.
Apparently Martinez broke down soon after an op and now has to go under the knife again. Mason Mount seems to be out indefinitely. Malacia had an op too but is still months away.
Maybe we are upgrading in this position. Maybe we weren’t as sad to let Gary go as we said. Or maybe I’m just putting two and two together and getting five.
Also, welcome to Arsenal Dr Zafar! We’re all right behind you.
I think it’s amazing that he’s done voluntary work in some of the poorest, most dilapidated and struggling places.
And it explains why he has Tottenham Hotspur on his CV.
I hope he is not like Harvetz
A footballer, as Head of medicine would be worrying, indeed
Man Utd being Man Utd, so whoever took up the position endured the same fate, so I felt bad for O’Driscoll I kinda like him based on what who I see in the Amazon series.
Are you suggesting that Man Utd are incompetent and shit?
It’s just that I’ve got the telly on and it looks like you’re right!
4 games no goals, relegation form
Hopefully we don’t Zafar too many injuries next season.
Hope he doesn’t smash any mugs?