Dael Fry has credited a phone call from Tom Brady and the legendary quarterback's renowned TB12 method as key factors in his decision to join Birmingham City from Middlesbrough. The 28-year-old centre-back, widely regarded as one of the Championship's best, signed a three-year contract with Blues last week.
Injury Record and the TB12 Method
Fry's move comes with an acknowledgment of his injury history: he started only 35 league games in the last two seasons and has never managed more than 33 starts in a single 46-game campaign. Determined to change that, Fry has embraced the TB12 method championed by Brady and his body coach Alex Guerrero, which involves hydration, massage, and recovery techniques.
“I’ve heard a lot of people speak really highly of him and the methods that he’s brought across,” Fry told BirminghamLive during the club's training camp in Portugal. “The physio staff and the masseuses are still doing it. I’ve only been here a week but the medical staff are spot on here, they really take it seriously. They aren't just doing it for a job, they really care about the player.”
Fry's Personal Commitment to Fitness
Fry admitted that he previously struggled with managing his body but has now developed a blueprint for staying fit. “At the start of last season I really took it seriously in terms of looking after my body,” he said. “I wrote down a lot of goals on my phone, my notes, and I was making sure I was ticking everything. I didn’t really want to leave a stone unturned. I didn’t want to have any excuses.”
He added: “My main aim is to stay fit throughout the season and play as many games as I can. I strongly believe I can do that here, especially under the new regime with the Tom Brady stuff. If that stuff works for Tom Brady, it can work for me!”
Manager's Vision and Championship Experience
Fry revealed that manager Chris Davies' vision was a major draw. “I could have gone to a team closer to home but I’ve come to Birmingham because of the way he spoke about the club, the way he wants to play, the type of person he wants in the dressing room,” Fry said. “I do believe this club is suited to me. I’m 28 coming up 29 but I do believe I’m in my prime years and I feel like I’m only getting better as a player.”
With 272 Championship appearances and over 22,000 minutes of game time, Fry's experience is expected to bolster a Blues side aiming for a play-off push. Davies has also ensured depth by retaining Phil Neumann, recognizing that three first-choice centre-backs are needed for a competitive Championship campaign.
Leaving Home and Embracing Change
Leaving Middlesbrough after 20 years was not easy. “The first few days were a little bit difficult having to say goodbye to the missus and kids and not return home from training, but these are sacrifices that you have to make to get the best out of your career,” Fry said. “I just wanted to try something new, meet new people and step out of my comfort zone a little bit. I do believe that will bring an extra 10 percent out of myself because sometimes when you get a bit comfortable you get a bit lazy.”
Fry also faced an initiation song, joking that he would perform Amy Winehouse's “Valerie.” “Hopefully I get the lads clicking their fingers and they can all join in and help me out a little bit!”
