Former Premier League supervisor reveals secret battle with Parkinson’s after being left ‘dumbstruck’ by analysis three years in the past
- Manager has been battling the disease in private and shared his story
- Retired former defender spoke of his shock at finding out the diagnosis
Former Premier League manager Aidy Boothroyd has spoken for the first time about his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s.
The 54-year-old, who led Watford to the top flight and was in charge of England Under-21s for five years, spoke about his secret fight against the disease in an emotional video statement.
Giving an update through the League Managers Association, Boothroyd admitted to being ‘dumbstruck’ by the diagnosis three years ago but feels ready now to tell his story publicly.
A statement read: ‘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.
Aidy Boothroyd released an emotional statement through the League Managers Association
‘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.’
One of the hardest aspects of the disease for Boothroyd, after struggling to wrap his head around the initial diagnosis, is losing control of his facial expressions.
He explained: ‘I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t really know what Parkinson’s was. I was in a position where 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 wanted to do it.
‘Probably the biggest one that I’ve noticed the most is facial masking. Facial masking is when the dopamine in the brain can’t always get to the body, particularly in the facial muscles.
‘My face could be, in my opinion, outwardly smiling, but actually it’s not doing that at all.
‘I’m absolutely convinced that this facial masking that I’ve had, if I’m going for an interview, people will then ask me questions. I’ve had people say to me, “are you alright? Is everything okay? You’re not your normal self.”‘
Boothroyd, pictured here in charge of the England Under-21s in 2021, is vastly experienced
Boothroyd, pictured with Sir Alex Ferguson in 2007, took Watford to the Premier League
‘I’ve had 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. But that was a tough one to take.’
Boothroyd led Watford to the Premier League in the 2005-06 season but the team were relegated the following campaign and he left by mutual consent in 2008.
The Bradford-born coach had spells in charge of Colchester United, Coventry City and Northampton Town before working with the England Under-21s.
His last job was with Jamshedpur in the Indian Super League but his fire for coaching is undiminished.
Boothroyd added: ‘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.
‘But for now, it’s about getting this off my chest, and see if I can help and bring awareness to more people about this condition.’
