Arsenal's loss is England's gain as Lewin packs his physio bag

Checking out the fitness of new signing Aaron Ramsey will be one of the final acts of his long and distinguished Arsenal career for physio Gary Lewin. The 44-year-old, as revealed in by the Ham&High last month, leaves the club this summer after 22 years

Checking out the fitness of new signing Aaron Ramsey will be one of the final acts of his long and distinguished Arsenal career for physio Gary Lewin.

The 44-year-old, as revealed in by the Ham&High last month, leaves the club this summer after 22 years to become the head of physiotherapy at the Football Association.

The club expect to confirm his replacement before pre-season training begins in three weeks.

Lewin, who began his career with the Gunners in 1980 as a goalkeeper before purusing a medical career, has been England physio on a part-time basis since 1996. He will take up his new role on August 1.

Acting managing director Ken Friar said this week: "Quite simply, Gary Lewin is one of the best physiotherapists in world football today.

"We are all sad that he is leaving us, but we totally understand and accept his decision.