Football community mourns 'absolute diamond' physio from Sheffield after cancer battle

A much-loved football physio from Sheffield, described as an ‘absolute diamond’ whose contribution to the game was immeasurable, has sadly died.
By Robert Cumber
Published 2nd Mar 2021, 08:17 BST
Updated 2nd Mar 2021, 09:22 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Tributes have poured in to Mick Jenkins from his former teams, including Sheffield FC, the world’s oldest football club, and Alfreton Town FC in Derbyshire.

The 63-year-old, from Gleadless, whose physio work was in addition to his day job at Fletchers Bakery in Sheffield and later Gunstones Bakery in Dronfield, lost his battle with cancer on Saturday, February 13.

First look at proposed new Sheffield FC stadium to finally mark the ‘home of football’

Mick Jenkins was a former physio at Sheffield FCMick Jenkins was a former physio at Sheffield FC
Mick Jenkins was a former physio at Sheffield FC
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ian Turner, with whom he worked for many years, said: “He was an absolute diamond who was taken too early.

"He always had a smile on his face, no matter what was up with him. He was such a lovely, lovely bloke and his death is a huge loss to a hell of a lot of people.

"There was only a 10 year age gap between us but he treated me like one of his own children. You couldn’t wish to meet a nicer bloke. He really was one in a million.”

Did you see huge fireball over Sheffield last night? Meteor sightings reported across UK

Mick Jenkins (second from left) with the Sheffield FC players during his time as club physio (pic: Ben Webster)Mick Jenkins (second from left) with the Sheffield FC players during his time as club physio (pic: Ben Webster)
Mick Jenkins (second from left) with the Sheffield FC players during his time as club physio (pic: Ben Webster)

Ian added that in addition to his work in football, Mick had given physiotherapy to the former light heavyweight world champion boxer Clinton Woods.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mick, who was best known as ‘Jenks’, was the physio at Sheffield FC under managers Chris Dolby and Curtis Woodhouse.

Sheffield FC chairman Richard Tims said: “Jenks was so down to earth. He was a very funny guy but you would never mess about with him because of his physique.

Tributes flood in for Stan Shaw, Sheffield's last 'little mester' who made knives for the Queen, Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley

Mick Jenkins (second from left) with the Sheffield FC players during his time as club physioMick Jenkins (second from left) with the Sheffield FC players during his time as club physio
Mick Jenkins (second from left) with the Sheffield FC players during his time as club physio

"He was an absolute legend at the club. He knew the game inside out and went over and above the call of duty to get the lads fit.”

Alfreton Town FC chairman Wayne Bradley said: "We mourn the sad news that past physio Mick Jenkins has passed away.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I cannot begin to tell you how this news has hit me. Jenks was a top top man. A pleasure to be around, in both victory and defeat. RIP old friend.”

Mick is survived by his wife Jane, his step-son Matt and his three grandchildren.

His funeral will take place at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium next Monday, March 8, at 11.30am.

Due to the pandemic, attendance is strictly limited, but anyone wishing to watch the service online should contact Co-op Funeralcare on 0114 276 0211 for details.

Related topics:Sheffield