Former Huddersfield Town striker and masseur Chris Senior has played a key role in Arsenal’s build-up to Saturday’s FA Cup final clash with Aston Villa.
The 33-year-old is part of the Gunners’ nine strong medical staff and also works for the Wales national team.
Huddersfield-born Senior came through the Town academy before forging a successful career in non-league football, playing for Wakefield, Scarborough, Halifax, Altrincham, Alfreton, Darlington and Guiseley.
He scored Darlington’s extra-time Wembley winner against Mansfield Town in the 2011 FA Trophy final.
Having qualified from The Southern School of Massage Therapy in 2008, Senior worked for Sheffield United before joining Town in 2012.
While based in the South, he makes regular returns to Huddersfield, where his wife Emma and son Zachary, three, still live.
“The job is working out well so far,” said Senior, who is one of three Arsenal masseurs (they also have a doctor, four physios and a nutritionist.
“Because Emma and Zachary are still in Huddersfield, I’ve got to know the M1 pretty well.
“Life is busy, but it’s fantastic to work for a club of Arsenal’s stature.”
Because it’s classed as an away game by Arsenal, Senior will have a watching brief at Wembley.
“Funnily enough, I’ll be at the same end as the Darlington supporters were four years ago,” he explained.
“Hopefully I’ll be cheering an Arsenal win.”
