Adrian Littlejohn recently came on board with the Rotherham United academy to oversee the medical team following Oliver Freeman’s promotion to working alongside the first team.
The former Sheffield United and Plymouth Argyle striker had been with the club on a part-time basis when required, but after impressing academy manager Garreth Barker, was handed the position full-time.
“It’s a good appointment, and an obvious one to us,” Barker said. “It has to be in the best interests of everyone because the medical department is arguable the most important at the football club. We advertised the post, held interviews and Aidy was given the position. He’s worked for us on a part-time basis in the past, so the players knew him, he knew the environment and the hours that would be required but he’s come in and hit the ground running.”
Littlejohn played in the first ever Premier League game for the Blades, and netted eight times that season before moving onto Plymouth, and Bury amongst others; and it’s this experience that Barker believes will benefit the Millers youngsters.
“He’s organised an emergency defibrillation course for 10 staff because you can’t ever be too prepared for the player’s health and their safety. He knows the industry having played for a significant time and while we have a great bunch of lads who are all honest, there will be no conning him, because he knows every trick in the book.”