Mansfield Town physio, 25, announces retirement after being given ‘weeks to live’ by doctors

Matt Salmon
Late Mansfield Town academy physio Matt Salmon (Credit: @mansfieldtownfc)

Mansfield Town’s academy physio Matt Salmon has announced his retirement after being given just ‘weeks to live’ by doctors.

The 25-year-old has been with the club for three-and-a-half years and was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010.

Matt has now been told that he has just weeks left to live and has made the decision to retire.

He joined the club in January 2014 as academy physio, working alongside then-head physiotherapist Chris Bowman.

After Chris left the club to join Bolton Wanderers later that year, Matt stepped in as first team physio for two months.

He then returned to his initial position of academy physio as well as working with the first team for the remainder of the 2014-15 season.

Following the academy’s move to Brooksby Melton College, Leicestershire in 2015, Matt has led the youth setup’s medical department.

Speaking about his retirement, he said: “It has been an incredibly difficult decision to resign from my dream job at the age of 25, but unfortunately I have reached a stage where I am not able to give our players the level of care they deserve, something I have strived to do since I joined the club.

“I have immensely enjoyed every single moment since joining Mansfield Town three-and-a-half years ago.

“Every single member of playing and coaching staff have been incredibly supportive of my situation and have always given me the opportunity to do the job that I love.”

“I have worked alongside and for some incredibly talented medical staff, coaching staff and managerial staff since 2014, and every single one of them has played a role in shaping me to become the physio that I have become today.”

Mansfield Town academy physio Matt Salmon. Picture credit: Mansfield Town Football Club.

Matt praised all staff members who work at Brooksby with the academy team.

He said: “Every single one of you has provided support on so many levels and I will never forget the things you have done for me.

“I would specifically like to thank John Dempster (academy manager) and Mark Hawkins (co-youth director) for their support during the last two years since we started the academy.

“Their help, guidance and encouragement has been a massive comfort to both me and my family and has made the past few months that much more tolerable.

“I would also like to thank manager Steve Evans and John and chair and chief executive Carolyn Radford for their kind messages since discovering the news.

“The fact that people who achieved so much in the game offer their time and support shows just what sort of club Mansfield Town is and mirrors the principles that the town was built on.

“Finally I would like to thank what I feel is the best medical department in the League and the support you have all given me.”

Chairman John Radford commended Matt for his work at the football club and said: “I learned this news with a heavy heart.

“Matt has always conducted himself with the utmost integrity, professionalism and has been a total credit to our football club; both he and his family should be extremely proud of his work at Mansfield Town Football Club.

“Matt is a part of a tight-knit family at our football club and we are united behind him at this difficult time. He has fought this illness with an incredible spirit. We will miss him.”

Academy manager John Dempster said: “The circumstances that have led to Matt retiring have hit everyone hard at the academy.

“He has been a key figure in setting up the academy and his professionalism and high standards have rubbed off on us all.

“Our thoughts are with him and his family at this precious time. He will be irreplaceable as a colleague and friend.”

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