Bristol Rovers is saddened to learn that Keith James, who was a valued member of the staff from 1991 – 1996, has recently passed away.
Liverpool-born Keith was a keen footballer as a youngster and captained his County side and trained with Liverpool as a schoolboy before going on to play for Formby in the North West Counties League.
He graduated with a Degree in Physiotherapy from Sheffield Polytechnic in 1987, and spent two years working in Kings College Hospital in London and then travelled the world for a while then worked at Southmead Hospital on his return.
During the 1991/92 season, he joined Rovers as Consultant Physiotherapist and was appointed to the permanent post of Chartered Physio in October 1992. He had full involvement in the rehabilitation programmes of players recovering from injury and also advised on dietary matters for all players.
His final game on the bench for Rovers' first team was the home match against Wycombe Wanderers on 4th May 1996, but he remained in this part of the world, as he became Head Physiotherapist at Bristol Rugby Club where he remained in post until 2003.
He established the Keith James Physiotherapy Clinic in Coldharbour Road, Redland, and built a team of physiotherapists able to meet the growing demand for their skills. His clinic has a reputation for being one of the leading providers of physiotherapy, acupuncture and massage therapy in Bristol.
Nicknamed ‘Jesse’ whilst with Rovers, for obvious reasons, Keith was a popular member of Rovers’ staff during his five years with the club and he was proud of the part he was able to play in the 1994/95 season when the side reached the play off final at Wembley where they were beaten by Huddersfield Town.
Our thoughts go out to Keith’s family and friends at this very sad time.
