Bradford City AFC have announced the arrivals of Matt Abbott and Tom Eastwood, who respectively join as the club’s new head physiotherapist and head of performance. 

City have added to Graham Alexander’s backroom team following the departures of Dayle Avison and Greg Stebbings over the summer. 

Arriving with a background in rugby, Abbott previously held the position of physiotherapist and medical coordinator at England RFL from May 2023, following a spell as head of medical at Wasps Women. 

He began his career in the army, before spells in the academies of Wigan Warriors and Fulham FC. 

Eastwood, who has been with the club since the first day of pre-season, joined from Stockport County, where he was the Hatters’ head of strength and conditioning from 2021, helping the club to two promotions in three seasons. 

He began his career as Burnley’s first team sports scientist between 2013 and 2015, before spells in similar roles at Port Vale, Al Wahda, Nantong Zhiyun and the Taiwan National Team. 

On arriving at the Bantams, Eastwood said: “I am very proud to have joined such a fantastic club. 

“We have had a really positive first three weeks of pre-season, with all the lads working really hard. We are all excited for the season ahead.”

Abbott said: “I am really happy to be here. 

“The players are looking great already, and I am excited to contribute towards their performance, in working for what will hopefully be a successful season.”

City have also placed on record their thanks to Greg Stebbings and Dayle Avison, for over 10 years of combined service at the club.

Avison arrived at Valley Parade in the summer of 2016, initially as an assistant first team physiotherapist and head of academy physiotherapy, before being promoted to head physiotherapist. 

Stebbings, meanwhile, joined City in June 2021 as first team sports scientist, becoming head of physical performance in June 2023.

Both leave with the club’s very best wishes.