Former Premier League manager, Aidy Boothroyd, has bravely shared his ongoing fight with Parkinson`s disease.
In a heartfelt video and statement released through the League Managers Association, 54-year-old Boothroyd disclosed that he has been privately battling the condition for the past three years.
According to his statement, “Three years ago, I received a Parkinson`s diagnosis.”
“The news was a huge shock, especially as it followed what I thought was a routine annual health assessment with the LMA.”
“It has taken me some time to feel ready to talk about my diagnosis publicly, and I have struggled with not being completely open with everyone.”
“On a personal level, my enthusiasm and passion for coaching remain as strong as ever. I am committed to staying physically active, which is crucial for slowing down the progression of Parkinson`s.”
“I am now prepared to embark on the next chapter of my life. I am grateful for the support from the LMA and Parkinson`s UK.”
Boothroyd, who previously coached the England U21 team for five years, mentioned that his diagnosis came in November 2021.
He recalled the shock of learning he had Parkinson`s, saying, “I was speechless. I didn`t really understand Parkinson`s. My immediate thoughts were for my children, and I felt uncertain about the future.”
A brief overview of Aidy Boothroyd`s coaching career:
1. Watford
Dates Managed: March 2005 – November 2008
- Games Played: 184
- Games Won: 75
- Boothroyd took charge of Watford in March 2005 and guided them to the Premier League through the Championship play-offs in 2006. They were relegated after one season in the top division, and he departed in November 2008.
2. Colchester United
Dates Managed: September 2009 – May 2010
- Games Played: 46
- Games Won: 14
- Boothroyd joined Colchester United in League One but left after less than a season in May 2010 to become manager at Coventry City.
3. Coventry City
Dates Managed: June 2010 – March 2011
- Games Played: 38
- Games Won: 10
- Boothroyd managed Coventry City in the Championship but was dismissed in March 2011.
4. Northampton Town
Dates Managed: November 2011 – January 2014
- Games Played: 106
- Games Won: 38
- Boothroyd took over Northampton Town in League Two and led them to the play-off final in the 2012–13 season.
5. England U20s
Dates Managed: February 2015 – August 2016
- Games Played: 19
- Games Won: 8
- Boothroyd transitioned to international youth management with the England U20 team, with varied results.
6. England U21s
Dates Managed: September 2016 – June 2021
- Games Played: 56
- Games Won: 34
- Boothroyd managed England`s U21 team, reaching the semi-finals of the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. His tenure ended in 2021 following disappointing performances in the 2021 tournament.
7. Jamshedpur FC
Dates Managed: July 2022 – May 2022
- Games played: 24
- Games Won: 8
- Boothroyd ventured into management in the Indian top flight, describing it as “a brilliant experience and one that I`d recommend to anyone.”
Summary of Managerial Career Stats:
- Total Games Played: 449
- Total Games Won: 179
“I was shocked and really dumbstruck. I kept it private because I wanted to process it myself.”
Boothroyd described how Parkinson`s has caused “facial masking,” a symptom where facial expressions are reduced due to muscle stiffness or decreased responsiveness.
He elaborated, “Facial masking is perhaps the most noticeable symptom for me. It occurs when dopamine in the brain doesn`t reach the body effectively, particularly affecting facial muscles.”
“My face might feel like I`m smiling, but it may not appear that way to others.”
“I believe this facial masking could impact interviews. People have asked me if I`m okay or if something is wrong, noting that I don`t seem like my usual self.”
“Many have commented that I`m quieter than usual, which is a part of Parkinson`s. But this couldn`t be further from the truth.”
“I remain enthusiastic and excited about my work and enjoy interacting with people. However, dealing with facial masking has been challenging.”
Boothroyd also spoke about the difficulty of keeping his diagnosis secret. “It has been a burden for three years. Friends and acquaintances would ask if I was feeling alright, and keeping it to myself was tough.”
Parkinson`s is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain and worsens over time.
Approximately 153,000 people in the UK are affected by Parkinson`s.
Individuals with Parkinson`s lack sufficient dopamine because the nerve cells that produce it have ceased to function properly.
This can lead to over 40 symptoms, with the primary three being:
- Tremor (shaking)
- Slow movement
- Rigidity (muscle stiffness)
Other common symptoms include:
- Mild memory and thinking problems
- Trouble sleeping
- Balance issues
- Pain
- Anxiety and depression
- Shuffling walk with small steps
- Difficulty with facial expressions
- Loss of smell
- Urinary problems
- Constipation
The main management strategies for Parkinson`s involve medication, physical activity, occupational, physical, and speech therapy, and symptom monitoring.
Source: Parkinson`s UK and NHS
“It felt like my life, and that of my family, was on hold. People`s concern and help were appreciated.”
“I don`t seek sympathy or pity. I want to return to coaching or find another purposeful role. I won`t let this condition define me.”
“I will continue to stay fit, work out, and hopefully find a meaningful job.”
“For now, it`s about being open about this and raising awareness about Parkinson`s.”
LMA CEO Richard Bevan commended Boothroyd for his “incredible positivity, resolve, and determination” since his diagnosis.
Boothroyd has been without a managerial position since leaving Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League in 2023.
His managerial career includes roles at Watford, Colchester, Coventry, and Northampton Town, covering every professional league in England.
During his time with the FA, he managed England`s youth teams at the U19, U20, and U21 levels.
