Gavin Blackwell is still getting them fit for Saturday

Having treated thousands of injuries and travelled thousands of miles, Blackwell is now in the 31st season of doing what he loves.

He is out to keep the likes of former Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and ex-Baggie Lee Hughes in tip-top shape at Halesowen Town.

Blackwell has not only taken care of players at The Grove, though. Oldbury United, Stourbridge, Tividale, Hednesford Town, Wolves' academy and Albion's reserves have also been the beneficiaries of his thorough work.

Naturally, he has come across many different characters during his time – some will be more than happy to listen to his advice, others are just desperate to be out on the pitch.

"Some had low morale and some needed an arm around the shoulder," he said.

"They weren't all as keen as mustard to play if they had a little niggle. And if a player's not happy you may as well leave him out because he's going to be grumbling and moaning and using it as an excuse.

"Some always wanted to play. Others are not bothered if it takes another week or two."

Blackwell's mantra is 'keeping the show on the road' and that sometimes means compromises have to be made.

Giving an insight into what the role entails, he said: "The physiotherapist is part of the backroom team.

"At our level, this is using a squad of players of about 16 to 18. A difficult equation and one that doesn't work a great deal of the time.

"There are always at least two long-term injuries who are definitely out of the next game, and a string of running repairs who will play but have to be nursed from training until the last minute.

"Add to that suspensions, simple illness, and you can see that a good deal of juggling goes on.

"Against this background, the physiotherapist has to make clinical judgement in the first place and then understand the manager's dilemma and help to keep the show on the road, with pragmatic compromises.

"The long-term injuries are not up for discussion and are accepted as being non-combatant for the moment.

"The short term, grey area injuries – the slight thigh strain, the slight tweaked ankle, the direct kicks and knocks suffered in training – raise the question 'Fit for Saturday?' and that isn't a criticism, just a statement of fact of how it is, and how it has to be.

"The club is in the business of playing football matches, fielding teams and hopefully winning."

Blackwell has had the honour of being part of many successful sides too.

The Southern League Cup, the Southern League Midland Division title and the Northern Premier League Play-offs are just a few things he has been involved in winning.

Technology has advanced drastically in Blackwell's time as a physio – there are so many ways injuries can be treated now, and steps to take to prevent them. There only used to be one substitute when he started too.

But he insists the fundamentals of the role remain the same.

"The more things change the more they stay the same," said Blackwell.

"The progress in surgical procedures have cut down the post- operative physiotherapy dramatically.

"We have also been helped by advances in surgery, rehabilitation and diagnosis. When I started the only investigation was an x-ray.

"Now we have CT scan, MRI scans, ultrasound scans, and isotype bone scans. Together with surgery advancements, especially to the knee and the anterior cruciate ligament injuries, we have it all.

"No matter how much techniques facilities, budgets and the nuts and bolts change, though, you still need the right people to implement these and to motivate the players through a sometimes difficult and desperate period in their career."

In his first 31st year, Blackwell loves the game as much as ever. He has no plans to call it a day anytime soon and added: "It can be a slog, particularly if things aren't going well.

"Evening training, travelling, playing games going through the range of emotions together can take its toll. It can be a 24/7 existence for ten months of the year.

"You have to have a certain mindset to deal with it. You become obsessed with the game. I need to be with the team at all times.

"Holidays can only be booked around June time and public holidays, weddings, parties and other social events including personal illness have to take a back seat. Football is in my blood and it is a way of life."