Life Stories... With Grant Downie OBE

Grant is one of the most experienced figures in UK football performance, having worked in the industry for more than 30 years. He started his career in the NHS, before moving into football in 1987 as a physio for the Football Association at Lilleshall. Lengthy spells as Head of Medical at Glasgow Rangers and Middlesbrough followed, before he joined Manchester City in 2011 after the Abu Dhabi takeover. His last five years at the club were as Head of Academy Performance, managing a sizeable staff, establishing a philosophy and making sure the department remained at the cutting edge in terms of science and medical. In 2012, Grant was awarded an OBE in the Queen's New Year’s Honours for his services to physiotherapy and young people. Now he works as a mentor and consultant for clients including City Football Group, the Premier League and SFA.