Cherries feature: Meet magic sports masseur Manis

23 July 2010 07:00
CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe today unveils his latest new signing Manis the magic sports masseur.[LNB] Hailing from Finland, Manis has been added to the Dean Court backroom staff for pre-season and has proved hugely popular with Howe's squad.[LNB] The highly-qualified 42-year-old, who also specialises in reflexology and deep-tissue manipulation, impressed Howe and assistant Jason Tindall when he gave them treatments during their playing days.[LNB] And once the pair discovered he had returned to this country for a holiday, they tracked him down and invited him to work his magic on the players. Initially helping out on a voluntary basis, he could eventually join Cherries permanently, should finances permit.[LNB] Howe told the Daily Echo: Manis is someone I have known for a number of years. He used to give me regular massages when I was playing. He has been magnificent for us during pre-season because it is a time when there are a lot of tired bodies.[LNB] He has worked almost continuously from nine to five rubbing down the players and making sure they are in tip-top condition so I can't thank him enough for that.[LNB] We would like to generate some work for him so he can stay.[LNB] From my point of view, he has helped us keep the players fit, which enables them to get more training under their belts.[LNB] Armed with his mobile massage table, Manis's motto has been any time, any place, anywhere. He has already cured striker Steve Fletcher of a long-standing problem with his arm and even helped Howe's mother Ann with a nagging neck complaint. Both treatments were carried out, spontaneously, in Howe's office at Dean Court.[LNB] Cherries defender Ryan Garry said: Manis has been great. It has been a tough few days and we have upped our workload. Every member of the squad has had some treatment and it is just what is needed.[LNB] A lot of the top clubs have masseurs and it is testament to Eddie and Jason that they have got him in. All the lads have felt much better for his treatments. He is very knowledgeable so we are hoping he can stay.[LNB] Assistant boss Tindall added: We found out Manis was on holiday with his wife and made him take his cases off the conveyor belt as he was about to return that's how good we think he is.[LNB] I have known him cure people with long-standing injuries. There is just something about him. He is different to any other masseur I have known.[LNB] A family member of mine had 30 minutes of reflexology with him and hasn't looked back since. We can't recommend him highly enough and would love him to stay as he would be a big asset to everybody.[LNB] Manis is available for private treatments, both at Dean Court or at a patient's home or workplace, and can be contacted on 07788 820656.[LNB]

Source: Bournemouth_Echo