Tiger Woods' doctor helps Boro's Bionic Bates
Published 23:00 21/08/10 By Brian McNally
Middlesbrough's “Bionic Man” Matthew Bates, who has overcome four cruciate ligament operations, has adopted “touch wood” as his catch phrase
His latest recovery from career-threatening injury has been touched by the hands of Tiger Woods’s medical mentor.
The 23-year-old defender is hoping that,with the guidance of golfer Woods’ guru Bill Knowles, he can finally beat the curse of the cruciate.
Bates said: “The last operation I had was totally different to what I’ve had in the past, so touch wood – those are my words – it’ll stand me in good stead.
“I went to America to see Bill Knowles. He’s a specialist in knee rehab.
“I had six weeks out there. He dealt with Tiger Woods when he had his knee injury in 2008.
“Tiger had his operation, which was worse than mine to be honest, and Bill rehabbed him. That’s where Bill has got his name.
“It will be never-ending for me, I just have to keep on top.”
