Nathan Griffith has been named the club’s new head of academy sport science.

Griffith has been appointed following the departure of Jimmy Reynolds, who was the academy head of sports science and medicine for almost 13 years prior to his departure to run his own Alpha Physiotherapy clinic in April.

Town also recently advertised another role as head of academy medicine.

Griffith joins from Oxford United’s youth set-up, where he was head of academy strength and conditioning, having previously worked in the academies at Peterborough and Barnet, having had internships at Charlton, Birmingham and Derby.

A current PhD student at the University of Birmingham, Griffith previously studied for an MSc in strength and conditioning, sports and exercise at Middlesex University and prior to that for a BSc (Hons) at the University of Derby.

Earlier this summer, the Blues made new appointments to the first-team backroom staff with Andy Rolls joining as director of performance and Andy Costin as head of sport science and insights, both having previously worked at Bristol City.

Photos: Matchday Images/Twitter

Edmundo added 10:23 - Jun 25 This guy and Rolls are our most important signings: there has to be a reason why we have had so many more injuries and ailments than others, not just bad luck. Of course, if players aren't looking after their own health and fitness, that's the other side of it, but I trust PC has that at the forefront of his mind as he wields the axe.
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MidlandsBlue92 added 10:40 - Jun 25 This sounds brilliant - looking after our young talent and providing them with the best opportunity to progress into professional football is something we should all applaud. Great signing!
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Suffolkboy added 10:40 - Jun 25 It's becoming more a maze than amazing , SO many people at the top of the tree ,and what we need is to see a structure model so that as supporters there's an understanding of who fits where and exactly the responsibilities and accountability . It outwardly appears lots being invested in this structure and these people ,and probably re-emphasise the huge management gaps which plainly ME ,for all his good intentions , failed to recognise . We must hope for evident results , ASAP , and trust the decisiveness will filter through rapidly into the “ playing “ workforce ! COYB

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ArnieM added 10:50 - Jun 25 At last , we are recruiting people with the correct scientific background! Gone are the days of the wet sponge brigade, thankfully. Our new science (evidenced based) approach to recruitment and management of elite athletes should finally see an end to the ridiculous injuries sustained at this Club….certainly reduce it anyway, as you can never fully eliminate injury.
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Guthrum added 10:56 - Jun 25 Suffolkboy - The most important thing is we have a resident, full-time Chief Exec, with authority to make decisions, at the top of the tree, overseen by O'Leary as Chairman.
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Lightningboy added 11:34 - Jun 25 If only “sports science” had been around during Sir Bobby's time here....He may have only needed to use 13 players in that 1981 season instead of 14. #LoadOfBollox
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Bluefields added 11:40 - Jun 25 Lightningboy, if sports science had been around in Sir Bobbys day then Beattie might have had a longer and more succesful career instead of being flogged to death for short term gains.
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shakytown added 11:51 - Jun 25 Lightning boy. What happened in the seasons after that????The players carried injuries and were flogged into the ground and never rose to that level again. Is that the way you want the club to be run?????
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PortmanTerrorist added 12:22 - Jun 25 For a genuinely great Academy, I think we can all agree that a consistent trait of players that come through is they lack strength. Skilled, light on their feet etc all good but unless they go out on loan like Woolfy, Dobra or Flynne, they physically (and perhaps it is connected) mentally get pushed around too easily on a Saturday. Great that new owners/management have seen that and bodes well for next generation coming through if we can add that characteristic.

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meekreech added 12:33 - Jun 25 From his comments in the post are we supposed to assume Keiron is being replaced with the u'23 ? If so it makes the PC backing for KD seem rather questionable.
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BeattiesBackPocket added 12:35 - Jun 25 Suffolkboy why does it matter who comes on at least we have a structure now which we haven't had for 14 years!? The responsibility will be with the new chairman, CEO and manager that's all any of us need to know surely
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Paulc added 12:36 - Jun 25 @Suffolkboy - You don't need to see the structure and who's responsible for what. That's what a CEO needs to see. Do you ask to know who the head of supply chain is at McDonalds before you buy a Big Mac?
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Monkey_Blue added 12:46 - Jun 25 Sounds like a positive move. If only I could like what Cook is doing with the first team I'd be looking forward to the new season. I really want to as I was pleased when he joined. I just can't pretend to like things I don't.
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blues1 added 12:48 - Jun 25 Meekreech? What are you on about? What has this appointment got to do with the u23s? Kieron is the u23s coach, this guy is a sports scientist for the academy. Love to know what story uve just read. Kieron not even mentioned.
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BeattiesBackPocket added 12:49 - Jun 25 Monkeyblue you need to give it till at least Christmas though before moaning about him
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Bergholtblue added 13:34 - Jun 25 Blues1 .... If you read Nathan Griffith's posting he uses the words "managing the U23s". Which could suggest he is usurping Keiran Dyer. It comes down to his interpretation of 'managing' and what his duties are.
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blues1 added 13:54 - Jun 25 Bergholtblue.Yes. But if u read it properly, he means managing the u23s physical wellbeing. Not coaching them. Can understand where the misunderstanding is tho. But at the end of the day hes a sports scientist not a coach. So is really fairly obvious. But yes, can see why meekreech read it that way.
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Suffolkboy added 14:36 - Jun 25 Nor criticising any appointments, nor doubting the good intentions ,BUT reading the subsequent comments it's crystal clear many of us have not been given a clear grasp of who is doing what ! Of course it's unquestionable the CEO should have clarity and accountability from all his team BUT at the end of the day supporters will ,as ever , wish to know who is doing what and how effectively the individual parts contribute to the rejuvenated Team Performance . Let's stay positive , understand and support the revival throughout the club – but equally recognise the importance of ALL actions and angles contributing ! There can be absolutely no doubt a concentration on strength and physical stamina ,and better physique and resilience is welcome . COYB .

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ITFC1977 added 16:32 - Jun 25 The academy is on its knees at the moment. I watch it every week, it needs to be rebuilt and hopefully this is the start.
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