Updates from the bet365 Stadium as Stoke City’s current and former players honor departing physio Nick Meace.
Stoke City is preparing to welcome a new physiotherapist as Nick Meace bids farewell after a four-year stint. Meace, a former youth player with Manchester United and Wigan Athletic, joined Clayton Wood during Michael O’Neill’s tenure in November 2020, stepping into the shoes of long-serving Dave Watson, who departed alongside club doctor Andrew Dent.
During his tenure, Meace has been notably involved in the rehabilitation of several key players, including Tyrese Campbell, Harry Souttar, Nick Powell, and Ben Wilmot, aiding them through long-term injuries. Expressing gratitude for his time at Stoke City, Meace shared his reflections on social media, marking the end of his decade-long journey in professional football and signaling the start of a new chapter. Souttar and other players swiftly conveyed their well-wishes, acknowledging Meace’s invaluable contributions.
Meace’s departure marks the end of an era, having worked under three Stoke managers: Michael O’Neill, Alex Neil, and Steven Schumacher. His exit follows other changes within the backroom staff, including the departure of Paul Walsh, head of sports science under O’Neill, and the subsequent appointments of Matt Bickley and Elliot Turner. As Stoke City bids farewell to Meace, players like Josh Laurent, Ben Wilmot, and Nick Powell join in extending their heartfelt best wishes.