Former Coventry City manager Aidy Boothroyd has revealed he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease three years ago

Former Coventry City boss Aidy Boothroyd has revealed he has living with Parkinson’s Disease following a diagnosis three years ago.

The 54-year-old, who spent seven years in the England coaching set-up including taking charge of the Under-21s before standing down in 2021, and released the sad news in a statement through the League Managers’ Association.

Boothroyd, who spent most of his playing career with Bristol Rovers, Mansfield Town and Peterborough United, is better known as a manager. He started out his coaching journey with Posh before going to Norwich City and then on to West Brom in 2003.

He left for Leeds less than a year later and has since been in charge at Watford and the Sky Blues, taking over from Chris Coleman in May 2010 in a spell that lasted ten months, before joining the FA.

He told the LMA: “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.”

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.”

Parkinson’s UK CEO Caroline Rassell said: “Everyone at Parkinson’s UK, sends Aidy

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 parkinsons.org.uk or call the Parkinson’s UK confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.”