A physiotherapist with a glittering career in professional sport has moved from the dugout to the treatment table.

Alan Raw, who has worked as a physio at Manchester City, Bury FC, and Wigan Warriors is now based at Harris and Ross clinic in Croft Road, Pilsworth.

Mr Raw, who is aged in his 60s and lives in Edenfield, will lead the clinic, which was officially opened with a visit from Bury boxer Scott Quigg, as well as Wigan Warriors players Lee Mossop and Michael Mcllorum.

He was born in Prestwich, and started his career at Southend United after studying physiotherapy at Salford University.

He then spent eight seasons at Gigg Lane, including when the club won back-to-back promotions in the 1995/96 and 1996/97, jumping from Division Three to Division One.

The lure of his boyhood team Manchester City proved too hard to resist when he moved to the club in 2002, after they were promoted to the Premier League.

His work has taken him from working with big names such as Peter Schmeichel at Manchester City, and travelling to Wembley as part of Wigan Warriors Challenge Cup winning squad in 2011.

Despite not being a member of the playing staff, Mr Raw says he still gets a buzz from being part of a group.

He said: “You are part of a team and you very much feel that way. You have got to be a decent physio and if you aren’t the lads will quickly find you out.

“I was at Bury when Stan Ternant was the manager and we were getting promotions. You really feel you have contributed by helping to keep the players fit.”

He has fond memories of his time at Manchester City, as well as intriguing tales about goalkeeper Schmeichel, who crossed the divide and played in goal for both Manchester clubs during his career.

“He was extremely professional, a great lad through the week, and always had a bit of fun with the staff and players but on match day everything had to be perfect.”

Mr Raw says he only ever received one telling-off from the fiery Dane.

After being asked for some cream to rub into his knees, Mr Raw threw a tube of Deep Heat to him, only to be made aware in no uncertain terms that Schmeichel did not expect to have to apply it himself!

Other high-profile clients include former Liverpool striker Michael Owen, footballer turned TV pundit Robbie Savage and Bury’s own Scott Quigg, with Mr Raw helping his preparations for his WBA super bantam-weight title fight against Yoandris Salinas on September 28.

He said: “The difference with working at a clinic than a team is you miss the dressing room and the banter, that’s what you miss most.”

Harris and Ross has a number of clinics across the North West, and Mr Raw was approached to join by Rob Harris and Jeff Ross, with whom he worked while at Manchester City.