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Psychologist and author Mark Bowden is outstanding in his field – in this instance the football field – because he has been working with professional footballers to show them how positive thinking can improve their game.

Mr Bowden, a trained criminologist and psychologist, has been working with soccer starts such as Hull City’s Kevin Stewart, Stoke City’s Danny Batth and Plymouth Argyle midfielder Connor Grant in a bid to help them think their way to on-the-pitch success.

Mr Bowden is rated as one of the most trusted mental performance experts in the modern game and is the best-selling author of Use Your Brain, Raise Your Game.

His company Top Form Global helps pro footballers to effectively train and condition their thoughts and behaviours, enabling them to perform consistently on the football pitch.

Mr Bowden is director of Mark Bowden Ltd, which trades as Top Form Global and has just moved to new offices at . Other clients include Aaron Martin of Exeter City and ex-Rangers and Norwich City defender Russell Martin.

Mr Bowden said that for footballers it’s not just about ability, but about being able to perform at a peak level consistently.

He said: “It still surprises me that even at the highest levels in football, players are not given the resources to condition their brains. Top clubs have incredible sports science facilities to help players’ bodies to perform at their very best.

“However, the control centre (the brain) is often overlooked. Top Form Global provides the resources needed for players to train their brains.”