Former Everton physio Mick Rathbone reveals all on working with David Moyes

·48 min·4 clips

Duncan Ferguson confronts the new physio, warning he's 'finished a few physios' careers' before unexpectedly embracing him.

The episode is an interview with Mick Rathbone, a former Everton physio, focusing on his time at the club under manager David Moyes and promoting his new book, 'A Smell of Football Free'. Rathbone begins by reflecting on Everton's new stadium and a memory of treating Marouane Fellaini after a Merseyside derby. He discusses David Moyes's return to Everton, describing him as a 'perfect fit' for the club. Rathbone recounts meeting Moyes at Preston North End, where Moyes was a player-coach known for his intensity and never visiting the medical room. He details how Moyes brought him to Everton in 2002, with Rathbone nervously negotiating a higher salary. A key story involves his first day at Everton, where Duncan Ferguson jokingly threatened him before accepting him, followed by a warm welcome from Kevin Campbell. Rathbone describes the emotional moment he wore the Everton kit for the first time. He talks about the 2004-05 season, where Everton finished 17th, then turned things around after a lighthearted training session in Austria and a meeting with critical fans in Houston. The pivotal moment was a last-minute win at Crystal Palace, sparking a run to fourth place and Champions League qualification. Rathbone shares insights into Moyes's work ethic, including his theory about heartbeats that made Rathbone stop using a running machine. He recounts pranks by players like Gary Naysmith and the changing culture in modern football. Rathbone explains his departure from Everton due to burnout after 18 years, with Moyes allowing him a break, and his later return to work with the academy. He discusses his post-Everton career, working for 11 clubs in three years, including Salford, Tranmere, and Accrington Stanley. Rathbone mentions his son playing for Wrexham and his current role at Harrogate Town. He promotes his book, a 100-day diary of his time at Accrington, highlighting the raw emotions in lower-league football. The episode ends with a funny anecdote about James McFadden ignoring nutrition advice and a plug for Rathbone's book signing event.

As heard by us

A loose, detail-rich Everton chat built around Moyes, memory, and one very competitive bleep test.

The Royal Blue Podcast gives Mick Rathbone room to reflect on Everton, David Moyes, and his book A Smell of Football Free, 100 Days in the Dugout.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You get Everton stories, David Moyes, and a bleep test that turned into a dressing-room message.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Royal Blue: The Everton FC Podcast