Latest news with #AidyBoothroyd
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Former England U21 soccer coach Aidy Boothroyd reveals Parkinson's diagnosis
LONDON (AP) — Former England Under-21 coach Aidy Boothroyd revealed Wednesday he was diagnosed with Parkinson's three years ago. Boothroyd coached Watford in the Premier League before he took over the vacant England Under-21 job in 2016 when Gareth Southgate was promoted to coach the national team. 'It has taken me time to feel ready to share my diagnosis, and I have found it difficult not being completely open with people,' the 54-year-old Boothroyd said in a statement released by the League Managers Association. Parkinson's is a neurologic disease that affects control of a person's movements. It typically starts with tremors and is characterized by slow movement, a shuffling gait, stiff limbs, balance problems and slurred speech. 'Personally, my passion and love for coaching is as strong as ever,' said Boothroyd, whose last job was in India two years ago. 'I am focusing on keeping physically fit, which is key to slowing down the progression of Parkinson's.' Boothroyd spent five years in the England job and took his team to the semifinals of the Under-21 European Championship in 2017. He said his focus is now on keeping fit and bringing more awareness to the condition. 'To be honest it's been a burden, three years it's taken me to come to this position,' Boothroyd said. 'Psychologically it's been tough, physically it's been easier.' ___ AP soccer:
The Guardian
26-03-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Aidy Boothroyd reveals he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
The former England Under-21s manager Aidy Boothroyd has revealed he was diagnosed with Parkinson's three years ago. Boothroyd also managed Watford and Coventry before succeeding Gareth Southgate as Under-21s manager in 2016, spending five years in the role before leaving in April 2021. In a statement released on the League Managers Association's website on Wednesday, the 54-year-old said: 'Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's. The news came as a massive shock to me, following what I expected to be my routine LMA Annual Health Assessment. 'It has taken me time to feel ready to share my diagnosis, and I have found it difficult not being completely open with people. Personally, my passion and love for coaching is as strong as ever, I am focusing on keeping physically fit, which is key to slowing down the progression of Parkinson's. I am ready to start the next chapter in my life. I would like to thank the LMA and Parkinson's UK for their support.' In a video released by the LMA, Boothroyd described how difficult the last three years have been. 'Psychologically it's been tough, physically it's been easier,' he says. 'I'm coping well with that because I'm a former footballer who's worked on the grass every day as a coach, as a manager so that's easy getting up and being disciplined to go for a run or do some exercise, because exercise is the key thing in staving off this condition. It's been tough, but now I feel a lot more able to come out and talk about these things.' 'It is a bit like my life's been on hold for all of us really, for my family, for my kids and people have just wanted to be helpful and that's great,' Boothroyd added. 'I don't want to wallow, don't want pity, all I want is to get back on the pitch or whatever it is I end up doing. I won't let this define me, I'll continue, I'll keep fit, I'll do what I've got to do in the gym and hopefully I can get a job with a purpose.' After leaving his England role following the team's exit from the European Under-21 Championship, Boothroyd had a short spell as part of the Northern Ireland coaching staff in May 2022.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Former Premier League manager Aidy Boothroyd reveals Parkinson's diagnosis
Former Premier League and England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The 54-year-old, who led Watford to Championship play-off glory in 2006, shared that he received the diagnosis three years ago during a routine health assessment by the League Manager's Association (LMA). He has continued to manage in the time since being diagnosed, most recently taking charge of Indian Super League side Jamshedpur for the 2022/23 season. "The news came as a massive shock to me," said Boothroyd in a statement to the LMA. "It has taken me time to feel ready to share my diagnosis, and I have found it difficult not being completely open with people. "Personally, my passion and love for coaching is as strong as ever, I am focusing on keeping physically fit, which is key to slowing down the progression of Parkinson's. "I am ready to start the next chapter in my life. I would like to thank the LMA and Parkinson's UK for their support." Boothroyd is most famed for his spell at Watford during 2005 and 2008, taking charge of their foray to the Premier League in 2006/07, a season which also saw them reach the FA Cup semi-final. He also worked within the England setup for a number of the country's youth teams, notably leading the England U21s to Toulon Tournament success in 2018. The ex-defender, who bounced around the Football League during his playing days at the likes of Mansfield Town, Huddersfield Town and Peterborough United, also enjoyed managerial stints at Colchester United, Coventry City and Northampton Town. "Aidy has displayed incredible positivity, resolve and determination since his Parkinson's diagnosis three years ago,' LMA CEO Richard Bevan said. 'His passion for football and people drives him on and he continues to play an active role in the LMA, as an almost ever-present senior member at our events and educational sessions. "We care deeply for all our members, and Aidy's attitude since his diagnosis has been an inspiration to our entire team as we continue to support him and his family throughout this unexpected and challenging time." Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the brain and the nervous system. Affecting nearly 10million people worldwide and over 150,000 in the UK alone, there is no cure or treatment to slow or stop the disease. Parkinson's UK CEO Caroline Rassell added: "Everyone at Parkinson's UK, sends Aidy Boothroyd our best wishes and thanks him for raising awareness of Parkinson's by publicly sharing his diagnosis. "With more than 40 symptoms, Parkinson's is unpredictable and undoubtedly introduces new challenges, but with the right support and staying active for 2.5 hours a week people can take control of their lives. "Aidy is now part of a community of 153,000 people in the UK who live with Parkinson's along with the millions of loved ones who support them. We are here to support them all. "A public Parkinson's diagnosis often encourages people to think about their own health and we would encourage anyone concerned about symptoms to speak to their GP, visit or call the Parkinson's UK confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303."
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Aidy Boothroyd reveals Parkinson's disease diagnosis
Aidy Boothroyd has revealed he has Parkinson's disease and that he tried to hide the condition for more than three years. The 54-year-old said he had been diagnosed in November 2021, seven months after he quit as England Under-21 manager following five years in the role. Former Watford manager Boothroyd, who has not coached since leaving Indian Super League side Jamshedpur in 2023, said he had been afraid to go public amid fears it would affect his career. Boothroyd said he had been diagnosed during a visit to a neurologist after what he had expected to be a 'routine' League Managers Association (LMA) annual health assessment. 'I thought everything was fine,' he said. 'And then came the bombshell. 'I remember it well. It was raining, pouring. It was an awful day. And the guy said to me: 'This is a picture of a normal brain and this is the picture of your brain. You can see the difference. You've got Parkinson's. I'm very sorry'. So, I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what to say. I didn't really know what Parkinson's was. 'I just kept thinking about my kids. I just wasn't sure what was next. I was shocked. I was dumbstruck, really. 'I've kept very quiet about it. I wasn't ready to share with too many people. A handful of people knew.' Boothroyd said the most noticeable symptom of his condition has been an inability to smile. 'In my case, probably the biggest one that I've noticed the most is facial masking. So, facial masking is when the dopamine in the brain can't always get to the body, and particularly in the facial muscles. So, my face could be, in my opinion, outwardly smiling, but actually it's not doing that at all. 'If I'm going for an interview, people will then ask me the questions and I'll look and I've had people say to me: 'Are you all right? Is everything OK, Aid? You're not your normal self.' So many people say, 'You're not your normal self. You're a bit quiet', which is all part of the Parkinson's. 'Nothing could be further from the truth. I'm enthusiastic, I'm excited. I still enjoy the job and working with people.' Boothroyd went on: 'One of the biggest things I'd change would be to bring more people into my circle, because it can be tough when you're alone. I've chosen to not tell people because I was worried about it. I didn't want people to feel any less of what they thought of me before. So, that's been tough. 'I recently did London-to-Paris on the bike, with my friend Geoff Thomas. And I feel good. I feel fit. I know that the harder I work, the more physically I keep on top of myself, the harder it is for the Parkinson's to worsen.' Boothroyd said his passion and love for coaching is 'as strong as ever' and that he was 'ready to start the next chapter in my life'. 'I'm not sure, whether, for me, I play a role as a No 2, where I'm there to support,' he said, 'There's a lot of things I think I can do. But something brand new might come out of it. I don't know. I just know that I've got decades of experience. 'I still am in love with the game, despite what my face says sometimes. And I'm privileged to be here, and I've still got a lot to give. 'I think my life's been on hold for three years and I've got a lot of people who want to help and support me, and I've got a lot of people I want to help and support as well.' Boothroyd added: 'I was worried about how it might affect my chances of getting a job, a role, anywhere. It's been a burden. It's three years it's taken me to come to this position. 'I don't want to wallow. I don't want pity. What I want is to get back on the pitch, or wherever it is. But I won't let this define me.' LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said: 'Aidy has displayed incredible positivity, resolve and determination since his Parkinson's diagnosis three years ago. His passion for football and people drives him on and he continues to play an active role in the LMA, as an almost ever-present senior member at our events and educational sessions. 'We care deeply for all our members, and Aidy's attitude since his diagnosis has been an inspiration to our entire team as we continue to support him and his family throughout this unexpected and challenging time.' Parkinson's UK CEO Caroline Rassell said: 'Everyone at Parkinson's UK sends Aidy Boothroyd our best wishes and thanks him for raising awareness of Parkinson's by publicly sharing his diagnosis. 'With more than 40 symptoms, Parkinson's is unpredictable and undoubtedly introduces new challenges, but with the right support and staying active for 2.5 hours a week, people can take control of their lives. 'Aidy is now part of a community of 153,000 people in the UK who live with Parkinson's along with the millions of loved ones who support them. We are here to support them all. 'A public Parkinson's diagnosis often encourages people to think about their own health and we would encourage anyone concerned about symptoms to speak to their GP, visit or call the Parkinson's UK confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.' Former Plymouth, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday manager Paul Sturrock revealed in 2008 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's eight years earlier. He is now 68. Liverpool legend Ray Kennedy was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's in 1984 at the age of 32. He died in 2021 aged 70. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
26-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Aidy Boothroyd reveals Parkinson's disease diagnosis
Aidy Boothroyd has announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's. The 54-year-old revealed he had learnt of his condition more than three years ago, shortly after losing his job as England Under-21 manager. Former Watford manager Boothroyd, who has not coached since leaving Indian Super League side Jamshedpur in 2023, said: 'The news came as a massive shock to me, following what I expected to be my routine LMA [League Managers Association] annual health assessment. 'It has taken me time to feel ready to share my diagnosis, and I have found it difficult not being completely open with people. 'Personally, my passion and love for coaching is as strong as ever, I am focusing on keeping physically fit, which is key to slowing down the progression of Parkinson's. 'I am ready to start the next chapter in my life. 'I would like to thank the LMA and Parkinson's UK for their support.' LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said: 'Aidy has displayed incredible positivity, resolve and determination since his Parkinson's diagnosis three years ago. His passion for football and people drives him on and he continues to play an active role in the LMA, as an almost ever-present senior member at our events and educational sessions. 'We care deeply for all our members, and Aidy's attitude since his diagnosis has been an inspiration to our entire team as we continue to support him and his family throughout this unexpected and challenging time.' Parkinson's UK CEO Caroline Rassell said: 'Everyone at Parkinson's UK sends Aidy Boothroyd our best wishes and thanks him for raising awareness of Parkinson's by publicly sharing his diagnosis. 'With more than 40 symptoms, Parkinson's is unpredictable and undoubtedly introduces new challenges, but with the right support and staying active for 2.5 hours a week people can take control of their lives. 'Aidy is now part of a community of 153,000 people in the UK who live with Parkinson's along with the millions of loved ones who support them. We are here to support them all. 'A public Parkinson's diagnosis often encourages people to think about their own health and we would encourage anyone concerned about symptoms to speak to their GP, visit or call the Parkinson's UK confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.' Former Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday manager Paul Sturrock revealed in 2008 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's eight years earlier. He is now 68. Liverpool legend Ray Kennedy was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's in 1984 at the age of 32. He died in 2021 aged 70.
