Town skipper Jason De Vos has been working with top foot specialist Mr Lloyd Williams, who was recommended to the club by the Royal Ballet School.

De Vos, who is out of action until pre-season after breaking a metatarsal, is one of three players currently working with top specialists.

Physio Matt Byard explained the thinking behind using consultant orthopaedic surgeon Williams to the club site: “Ballet dancers are putting tremendous stress on their feet, especially toes. So when we were faced with the problem with Jason, we gave the Royal Ballet School a call to see who they work with.

"Mr Lloyd Williams is a leading consultant in the field, works with all the dancers at the Royal Ballet School and was more than happy for us to seek his advice on Jason.

"It's been the same in the treatment of Gavin Williams, who has had groin problems this season.

"Per Holmich is a widely respected specialist in abductor and groin rehabilitation and has written in many of the medical journals on that subject.

"He has carried out some extensive research on the rehabilitation process and was recently lecturing at the British Olympic Association.

"Per is based in Copenhagen and we took Gavin over to see him and are now following his programme of recovery. It will mean Gavin going back in May and then again in June for three or four-day periods so that the specialist can monitor his progress.

"The treatment for Gavin does not involve surgery. It's all about strengthening and stabilising the groin muscles. If all goes to plan then he will be back training with the players in pre-season, but will probably be slightly behind their programme.

"We are also working alongside Per in the treatment of Dean Bowditch, who will follow a similar path back to fitness that Gavin is on.”

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