Alan has been at Tynecastle for twenty two years, having been invited to join the Club by Sandy Jardine on a short term temporary basis in 1982. He continued to work part time until 1990 when his workload became such that he could no longer do justice both to the Royal Infirmary and to Hearts. He gave notice that he would be leaving at the season end but after consideration the Board offered him the position of full time physio, a duty he commenced in February 1990.
During his twenty two year stint, Alan has worked with seven Managers - Alex McDonald/Sandy Jardine, Joe Jordan, Sandy Clark, Tommy McLean, Jim Jefferies and present boss Craig Levein. The biggest change to the physio department took place following the appointment of Joe Jordan. Joe was influenced by foreign, particulary Italian methods which was reflected in a huge change in the attitude to and the professionalism of all aspects of player welfare. Rehabilitation has had to adapt quickly to new techniques in line with the development of new technology and a quicker diagnosis results in more appropriate treatment.
Alan has overseen the fitness and well being of two generations of players -starting with John Robertson and Gary Mackay (throughout the whole span of their careers with Hearts), Paul Ritchie, Alan Johnston, Gary Locke, Gary Naysmith, Scott Severin and Stephen Simmons coming to maturity through the youth system.
A number of former players who suffered serious injury during their careers have cause to be grateful to Alan for his support and care during their periods of incapacitation and recuperation. Indeed, in this number are Neil Berry, Stephen Frail and of course Craig Levein, who were all present on the day.
Alan is widely respected both within the football fraternity and by his professional medical colleagues, so much so that the R.I.E. was also well represented at Alan's special day.
We look forward to Alan continuing in his role with Heart of Midlothian - he is after all Hearts longest serving employee.