Royston named Bradford City head of performance and medicine

Royston joined the club in 2011 and has been the head physio for the past five years.

Dayle Avison is promoted to take over his previous job and Nick Akerman is the new first-team therapist.

City have also appointed Greg Stebbings as the new head of sports science. But fitness coach Ben Rome has left Valley Parade.

Royston said: “The main goal in my new role is to support Derek Adams as much as possible.

“We need to look at how we can work alongside his coaching methods to maximise physical performance and player availability.

“The club was keen to instil a model in the football department where there is responsibility in certain areas - whether that be analysis, recruitment or performance.

“If you look at many top-level clubs across Europe, the medical, sports science, therapists, doctors, performance analysts and support staff work in unison, rather than autonomously.

“Although we understand we are currently in League Two, that is what we are trying to create at Bradford City.

“In order to reduce incidence of injuries, and how to safely return players to play - once an injury has occurred - in the fastest time, it is vital to have a structured plan and certain strategies in place.

“Myself, Dayle, Greg, Nick, Andrew Smith and other first-team staff members have been meeting almost daily during the off-season to ensure we are as ready as we can be for pre-season.”

City return for training at the end of the month but the players are following fitness plans drawn up by the club.

Royston added: “We are all looking forward to getting going at the beginning of the season and will do everything we can in our respective area to help the club move forwards once again.”

Robbie Bloodworth and Scott Dyer remain first-team analysts - with Bloodworth also now the club’s player welfare officer.

John Vaughan stays on as goalkeeper coach, with Andrew Smith the club’s doctor and a new full-time kit manager set to be appointed this month.