Pardew recruits famed fitness guru Downey in bid to end Newcastle's injury woes



Newcastle United have made a significant summer signing by hiring performance director Faye Downey as a fitness consultant.



Boss Alan Pardew has taken on the strength and conditioning coach to try to stop a repeat of last season’s numerous injuries.



Newcastle lost the spine of their squad at crucial points and struggled with a Europa League campaign in which they reached the last eight.



Experienced: Faye Downey has also worked with the England rugby team

Downey helped the England rugby team prepare for the last two World Cups, worked with Leicester Tigers and London Irish, and trained British athletes before the Athens Olympics in 2004. She also coaches teenage British tennis player Oliver Golding.



Pardew, who takes his squad to Portugal this week, is trying to arrange a pre-season friendly with Lille, Mathieu Debuchy and Yohan Cabaye’s former club.

Busy man: Alan Pardew is preparing Newcastle for the coming season

Newcastle have a 10-day gap between games against St Mirren and SC Braga in August.

