Former Oldham Athletic physio Mick Rathbone has joined Accrington Stanley as the League Two club’s first team head of medical.

The 65-year-old, who came out of retirement to join Latics almost two years ago, is prolonging his career at the Wham Stadium.

Rathbone, affectionately known as Baz, made over 350 appearances as a player for boyhood club Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End and Halifax Town, where he had a spell as manager before forging a career as a respected physio for Preston, Everton, Wigan, Nottingham Forest, Salford and Latics, as well as England, where he worked with former Latics striker Hallam Hope in the Under 17s.

Of joining Accrington, Rathbone said: "I am very luck to be back, after retiring a couple of times. I love it!

"I feel I am the luckiest man in the world, I have been in football nearly 50 years. I feel great, and I can do it, so why would I stop? I am really excited about this season.

"I worked (at Accrington) for a month about two years ago and there was a lot of attractiveness about coming here - four of the lads that were here in the youth team when I came two years ago are now in the first team.

"I know the manager (John Doolan) and Ged Brannan well, so there was so much more to the move."

Rathbone, who was a popular figure duruing his time at Boundary Park, added: "I left Forest around six years ago and retired for the first time, but there are no physios about, and I keep getting sucked back into it and it's great. I knew for a while Accrington were looking for a head of medical. I have worked for loads of clubs and it's involved a lot of travelling, so this is the first time I have worked locally.

"I am really excited. I jumped out of bed like a 16-year-old and we are going to give it everything we have got."

Accrington boss Doolan said: "Baz's experience is second to none and his character is first class. I've known Baz a long time and he's been around forever.

"He's someone I know really well and someone who will be good for the players. In terms of the medical side of things, the knowledge he's got will be fantastic for the club and it's a really good appointment."