Name – Andy Cook
Age – 31
Favourite Team – Coventry City
Occupation – Specialist Fibre Engineer Telecoms
One thing I love about football is – being part of a team and creating memories & friendships. Being part of a group where it’s nonstop laughter, funny moments and celebrations in the changing rooms after a 1 nil smash and grab away win or a cup/ league title win.
Football pet hate – Too much money in Non league football and seeing club folding cause they can’t keep up. I do understand it is part of the game though.
Best player you have ever seen play in real life – Seen so many Non league players so I would say. Alex Naughton, Brady Hickey, Chea Adams to many to choose from. Pro game Gus Hamer for City.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a physio in non-league football, and how did you overcome?

I would say changing rooms as you sometimes never had a treatment table in them or a space to do physio work. Working in really small changing rooms and having to improvise with how to do treatments. You just have to think on your feet and do the best you can.

Can you share one of the most memorable moments you experienced as a physio? How did it impact your perspective on the sport?

Of course the cup wins and going to nice big stadiums and playing bigger teams are always a nice memory but the biggest was winning the league with Atherstone Town and the group that did it. The management & backroom staff have such a togetherness and the team it made it special. Winning the league with Atherstone also just makes you realise how much it means to the people of the town and the fans which was great to see.

What common injuries did you encounter among non-league players, and what strategies did you employ to prevent and manage them?

Common injuries I came across were things like muscle soreness, muscle strains and general body pain. Being in Non league you have to remember players work all kinds of different jobs and then play football so there bodies go through a lot. I used to give them advice on how to recover like ice baths and then massage to help the muscles recover.

From your experience, what are some unique aspects of non-league football that you feel are often overlooked by mainstream media?

Non league football you have more access to the club and surroundings. You can be watching the players and managers and then at the end of the game you are in the bar with the players & managers having a drink talking to them. It’s sort of that access all areas. It’s overlooked by mainstream media because it doesn’t bring the money in like the professional game does.

How did your role as a physio influence the team dynamics and player performance? Can you provide an example?

I was a very relaxed person in the changing room and made the physio room and nice place to be. Most of the time the physio room was more busier than the changing room cause all the players would come and talk and hang out in the physio room. I would make sure I had a personal relationship with the player and talk to them about other things than football. We would have really good conversation about life and what’s going on which I think made the players feel comfortable and relaxed. I would just make the players life easy and have everything they needed for them to be ready for the game.

How do you balance the demands of your professional life with your personal interests and commitments, especially now as a podcast host?

My life is very busy with work and now the podcast its crazy. It’s just being organised and planning weeks in the diary. Making sure communication is happening but also making sure I make time for my family. I like being busy and having something to do though and doing the podcast is now my football release and keeps me involved with football.

What motivated you to transition from being a non-league football physio to starting your own podcast? Can you describe that journey?

The past couple of years I changed my way of thinking and when I had an idea or wanted to try something I just did it. It all started with me streaming football manager and learning how to do it all. Then with my job I can do a lot of driving and I was getting fed up with the radio so gave a podcast ago and loved it! Started listening to Ben Foster, Peter Crouch & Under the Cosh and loved them. It got me thinking though I could do something like this with my background in football and the people I had met. The stories I would hear in the changing room, physio bed or coach journeys. I had the idea and got to work planning it all during the football season. I knew I couldn’t do it while still being a physio as I wouldn’t have the time so waited till the end of the season. End of the season came and I stood down as physio for Atherstone Town and The Non League Treatment Room was born. Brought Lee Davies in as Co Host and we hit it off. I havent looked back since starting and love doing it. it was an easy transition as I felt I was coming to the end of my physio journey and needed to do something different. The journey has been lots of fun and the people we have met are unbelievable and we are very proud of what we have achieved so far.

What goals did you have in mind when you started your podcast, and how have they evolved over time?

No goals what so ever and that’s the truth. In all honesty I just wanted to record an episode and get it released and all go to plan. We have never set any goals but we do want to keep enjoying ourselves and putting out great content and big guests. Winning the bronze award for best Non League podcast at the Football Content Awards was unbelievable and amazing. I guess a goal is to get gold next time around.

Who has been your most interesting guest on the podcast so far, and what made that interview stand out to you?

This is such a hard question because I genuinely have loved every single guest we have had on. They all have their own unique story which I love. Marc White Dorking Manger was amazing as he is a big name in the game. The local guest we had like Joe Obi, Mitch Thomson, Guy Hadland & more who me and Lee know really well are amazing and interesting because you find out things we never knew before. Having ex professionals on like Andy Morrell & Dave Busst on was amazing and cause I am a Coventry City fan. To hard to choose and I love all the guests I’ve had.

How do you engage with your listeners and ensure that your content remains relevant and interesting to them?

We constantly look on social media to find out the latest player, manager or club being talked about to make the content relevant. We are just honest and don’t try and be something we’re not. Keep it simple.

Where do you see non-league football heading in the next five to ten years, especially in terms of player welfare and development?

This is a big thing for me and I do worry about were Non League football will be in the future. I do see more clubs folding and not being able to continue due to financial issues. Money in non league football is massive and becoming bigger every season and clubs can’t keep up. Already seeing Nuneaton Boro and Coalville going under and reforming at a lower league just says it all. Seeing clubs go into administration is a shame aswell. I feel for players because they then have the trouble of finding new clubs which isn’t always easy. I do however think the players are going to get better and there are some top players in Non league who can definitely play at the pro level. So hopefully I see more players take that step into the professional game.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a career as a football physio or start their own podcast within the sports industry?

Don’t be afraid to start at a Non League club and get as much experience as you can. Network with people and managers to help you get to the next level. Enjoy it and have fun. Keep learning and improving your knowledge and try and keep up with the latest trends. If you do go into Non league understand the level and leagues. Learn about the club and other clubs surrounding you.

And finally…if you could work as a physio at any club in the world where would you choose and what one guest would you love to get onto the podcast?

Wow…such a tough question to end on!

I think physio for any club. Could I go different and say England?? As I would see different players from different clubs, travel the world and experience world cups & euros and I think I’d be working with the best players/ athletes in the country

The Guest on the podcast would be Peter Crouch as I think he is class and so funny. He has such good stories and seems like a good person to spend time with chatting

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A massive thank you to Cooky for coming on and sharing his non-league journey and shine a light on what the role of a physio looks like in non-league as well as how he is now contributing to the growth the game by spreading non-league stories and content through his successful podcast.

So….if you fancy catching up with and listening to ‘The Non-league Treatment Room’ then head here to listen at your leisure on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts: https://podcast.sport-social.co.uk/podcast/the-non-league-treatment-room-podcast/

Until next time!