Premier League legend Aidy Boothroyd, 54, reveals main well being battle in emotional assertion

Former Premier League boss Aidy Boothroyd has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Boothroyd, who has managed the England U21s side and spent seven years in the England coaching set-up before standing down in 2021, announced the news in an emotional statement released via the LMA.

The 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.

“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. I have chosen to share my news in the following video.”

In the video, 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.”

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He continued: “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 the questions. I look. I’ve had people say to me, ‘are you alright? Is everything okay? You’re not your normal self.’

“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.”

LMA CEO Richard Bevan added: “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.”

Boothroyd’s last managerial role was with Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC in 2023. He has managed in every professional league in England, including Watford in the Premier League.