Lewin exits Arsenal after 23 years and is replaced by O'Driscoll
Lewin and O'Driscoll worked closely together for nine years
Written by Simon Austin — May 28, 2018
COLIN LEWIN, Arsenal’s Head of Medical Services, has reached a settlement that sees him leave the club after 23 years.
His role has been taken by club doctor Gary O’Driscoll, who will now head up a new-look medical department.
Two other unnamed physios have also been made redundant as part of a restructure overseen by Head of Elite Performance Darren Burgess, who joined last July.
The staff were informed of the decision at a meeting with Burgess and Arsenal HR on Monday May 15th, the day after the final game of the season against Huddersfield.
Lewin had been at the club since 1995. He started off as an Academy physio, working his way up to Head of Medical Services in 2008 - a role which had been held by his cousin Gary.
O’Driscoll joined the Gunners in February 2009 and is another experienced and popular practitioner.
He worked for Ireland rugby for six years and was the official doctor on two British and Irish Lions tours. He was also a member of the organising committee for the 2012 Olympics and is on the RFU disciplinary panel.
Lewin and O’Driscoll forged a close professional and personal relationship during their time at the club. In fact, a club insider told TGG that the duo and their families were currently on holiday together.
Coaches Tony Colbert, Boro Primorac, Neil Banfield and Gerry Peyton have also left the club, along with kit man Paul Johnson, who had been with the Gunners for 36 years.
In the past year, Arsenal have carried out their most comprehensive staff restructure since Wenger arrived at the club 22 years ago.
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis has appointed new manager Unai Emery as well as heads of recruitment (Sven Mislintat), football relations (Raul Sanllehi) and performance (Darren Burgess). A new goalkeeping coach (Sal Bibbo), lead sport scientist (Tom Allen), nutritionist (Richard Allison) and contracts expert (Hussein Fahmy) have also arrived.
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