FORMER Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd is determined not to let Parkinson’s disease stop him from doing what he loves best.
The 54-year-old revealed on Wednesday, via the League Managers Association, that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s – a progressive neurological disorder affecting the brain and nervous system – three years ago.
The ex-England U21 coach admitted the news came as a ‘massive shock’ when he went for what he expected to be a routine LMA annual health assessment.
Reluctant initially to share his diagnosis, he now feels the time is right to put it in the public domain. He wants to carry on coaching and hopefully help others in the same situation.
Awareness
“All I want is to get back on the pitch, I won’t let this define me,” Boothroyd said in a video interview with the LMA.
“I don’t want to wallow. I don’t want pity. I’ll continue, I’ll keep fit. I’ll do whatever I have got to do in the gym and, hopefully, I can get a job with a purpose.
“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.
“For now, it’s about getting this off my chest and seeing if I can bring more awareness to this condition.”
The former Colchester, Coventry and Northampton boss, who led Watford into the Premier League in 2006, has been praised in the wake of his decision to go public.
LMA CEO 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.”
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