By kind permission of the Manchester Evening News

TAKING pride of place in the foyer of the David Robert's Physiotherapy clinic in Middleton is a cricketer's shirt.

But this isn't just any old shirt - it's the same one which Andrew `Freddie' Flintoff wore during the England cricket team's 2004 West Indies tour.

Those who choose to give the framed exhibit closer attention discover it is signed by every member of that victorious team - including captain Michael Vaughan, Darren Gough and Nasser Hussain.

It was given to Dave by Freddie in recognition of the on-going rehabilitation he has received, and is among mementoes donated by some of the best cricketers of the past 25 years.

All demonstrate the esteem in which these athletes hold Dave, as well as their gratitude for his support in their time of need. "Over the course of my career I've met and treated many of the world's best cricketers and count many of them as friends - but I'm not under any illusion that they come to see me willingly," Dave laughs.

Lifelong love

"Cricket has certainly been a lifelong love and I found myself regularly playing for Middleton in the Central Lancashire Cricket League throughout most of my teens and 20s.

"But it wasn't until I injured myself while playing and had to go to hospital for physiotherapy that I began to think this could be the career for me.

"I went back to college to get A levels and then won a place at Withington Hospital School of Physiotherapy, which is now known as the Manchester School of Physiotherapy.

"Back then, physiotherapy was still a predominantly female profession - there were four blokes on the course and 34 girls. I think that was another occasion when I realised that I'd discovered something that I really wanted to do!"

After graduating, Dave took a job at Rochdale Infirmary. But it wasn't long before he began doing private work - initially working from his home in Middleton and later from his clinic in the town's former Co-op.

Dave also found himself working with various cricket clubs including Lancashire and Worcestershire.

"It was through my association with players that I treated during this time - like Ian Botham - that I was asked to tour with the England Cricket Team in India and Pakistan in 1987," he said.

"I can still remember the sense of pride I felt the first night on tour when I lay in bed and looked at my England blazer - I just couldn't believe it.

"I toured with England for the next 10 years, which was a truly fabulous experience.

"Throughout this time, I kept on running the clinic in Middleton with the capable assistance of locums. Business got busier and eventually I had to take on other physios.

"But it wasn't until 1999 that I decided - with my business partner Keith Johnstone - to open our second clinic in the Broadway in Chadderton.

"After that, the two of us knuckled down to make it a success and in 2002 we decided to open another branch in Chorley New Road, in Bolton.

Confidence

"By that stage, we knew exactly what we were doing and were able to use the same business principles from the other clinics and implement them with confidence."

The most recent David Roberts Physiotherapy Clinic was opened at Lancashire County Cricket Club's Old Trafford ground last year. Dave is quick to pay tribute to the `highly talented' team of 40 who now work at the four clinics.

These include 15 physios as well as a specialist sports medic, a podiatrist, personal trainers and massage therapists - among others. Dave's passion for physiotherapy is patent - as is the fact that he is clearly highly motivated.

"I would describe myself as driven - and I think that this possibly has much to do with being adopted when I was six-weeks-old," he adds.

"I know I was born in Sefton General Hospital in Liverpool, and was later adopted by a couple who lived in Clayton.

"I have attempted to find my real parents but have never been able to track them down. But I do believe that is something which has driven me on to do something with my life."

During 2008, Dave intends to install a state-of-the-art gym in each of the clinics - as he has already done in Middleton - and believes that is an essential part of clients' rehabilitation.

"When you have the responsibility of looking after someone's health, you have to act in a highly responsible manner," he adds. "I'm a firm believer in the body's capacity to heal itself rather than taking drugs or anti-inflamatories.

"I also believe that training in a gym can be an integral part of this process regardless of your age, which is why we are in the process of installing these facilities in each of the clinics.

"I think that the business will also grow over the next year as an increasing amount of companies now want professional physiotherapists to go into their premises to treat staff during the working day.

"Research shows there are definite cost benefits for those companies which participate as staff feel better valued and do not take as much time off."

Over the past 20 years, a regular fixture in Dave's calendar has been his friend Ian Botham's fundraising walks in aid of Leukaemia Research.

And this autumn, he will once again be donning his walking boots to provide `Beefy' with any physiotherapy needs.

"It's always a fantastic time and Ian is a truly remarkable individual - not that I would want you to tell him," he adds.

Name: David Roberts

First job: Butcher's assistant

How long is your working day? An average of 10 hours

Worst mistake ever made? Taking Ian Botham on at drinking!

Where is your favourite restaurant, and why? Gaucho Manchester... you can't beat a great steak with a great red wine.

Last book read: The Innocent Man by John Grisham

What is on your driveway? Land Rover Discovery

What celebrity would you most like to be stranded on a desert island with, and why? Nigella Lawson ... she can cook as well!

Where do you holiday? All over the world.