A daily’s sports reporter has been put through his paces at a medical centre to get an idea of what goes on at football clubs across the country on transfer deadline day.

Manchester Evening News journalist Mike Keegan visited a physiotherapy centre to find out more about the crucial tests which professional footballers go through as desperate managers attempt to push through last minute deals.

Mike, 35, gave his full medical history to staff before taking part in a series of different exercises including the Yo-Yo Test where his speed and endurance were observed.

He was also filmed while running on a treadmill and his pronation was monitored as vibrating metal tools banged against his feet.

Mike was given a thorough examination by medical staff

When the exercise routines were complete, Mike spoke to physio Jeff Ross about the pressurised nature of the job when the deadline for transfers is looming.

“He does not want to breach client confidentiality but, in a rare moment when the tables are turned and I get to probe him, he shares a couple of fascinating anecdotes into the fun and games that go on when the clock starts ticking on deadline day,” wrote Mike on the MEN website.

Jeff told Mike: “You have people with different motives. You have the agent who often wants his 10 per cent so he’s pushing for us to pass his player so he can get that. You’ve sometimes got a chairman who doesn’t really fancy the player so he quietly lets it be known that it would not be the end of the world if we found something and failed him.”

Mike also learned that several crocked footballers have tried to hoodwink medical staff knowing that a failed scan can end their careers.

He also revealed his own medical results to readers and was told that he needed to improve his core strength, had tight hamstrings and needed to lose a stone in weight.

But although Mike needs some fitness work, he has good neck and shoulders, no frame damage and the team found no reason for him not to pass the medical.