Sports scientist Craig aiming to dig deeper at Billericay Town

Craig Lewis joins the National League South newcomers from Welling United.

Lewis had previously worked with Town’s new first team coach Tristan Lewis at the London club.

And the South African, who previously worked with the Portugal national team at the 2010 World Cup in his homeland, is excited at the challenge.

“I spoke to Billericay and they felt in order to move the club in the right direction and adopt a more professional this was an important aspect to be considered,” said Lewis, 40.

“Injury prevention and the recovery side of sport is important.

“These guys are playing 50 odd games a season so assisting in recovery and nutrition is important as is lifestyle and their training load as well.

“I am fortunate that the team already uses a GPS system to monitor progress so things are quite advanced. I have seen what has happened at the club from a distance and it sounds like a fantastic project. I know the training facilities and it seems it is being done in the right way.”

Lewis also has an undergraduate degree in Sports Psychology and says the mental aspect of sport is heavily linked to positive results.

And he said working with the Portugal team in 2010 was an important part of his own progression.

“It is important to assess the mental and physical side of things as they can manifest on one another,” said Lewis.

“I want an approach where the players can relax. Although I am not a sports psychologist I want to help in every way I can.

“The Portugal experience was great. One of my colleagues knew [former manager] Carlos Queiroz and they needed local people who understood the conditions, such as the altitude.

“I was involved in the pre World Cup build up and worked with them throughout tournament. Being around these guys and seeing the attention to details is tremendous. It is such a pressure cooker environment and everything is video taped and monitored. To see their preparations is so impressive.”