Hands on Hearts: a physio's tale

Alan Rae was the physio at Hearts for over 20 years.

He joined the club in 1982, languishing in the First Division and looking at the prospect of part time football.

In that time he has seen 8 managers come and go as well as 3 owners and too many players to mention.

Six years after leaving 'The Jambos' he has penned a memoir of his time at Hearts.

He has anecdotes about home games, European games and even pre and post season tours abroad.

Woven into these memories is the medical knowledge of a true professional, from players suffering career threatening injuries to managers for whom the pain of losing is physical as well as mental.BACK COVER:As Heart of Midlothian FC's physiotherapist, Alan Rae was a vital member of the Tynecastle backroom staff for more than two decades.

He was one of the few constants during a tumultuous period in the club's rich history and his behind-the-scenes recollections will fascinate and entertain in equal measure.

From international superstars to mischievous boot-room boys, Rae shares his unique insight into the life of a great Scottish football institution.

Hands on Hearts is a must-read for football fans everywhere - Jambos or otherwise -and for anyone who has ever wondered about the healing properties of the physio's magic sponge!