Former Premier League manager Aidy Boothroyd has publicly shared his ongoing fight with Parkinson`s disease.
Boothroyd, 54, made an emotional announcement via video and a statement released through the League Managers Association, disclosing that he has been privately battling the condition for the past three years.
In his statement, Boothroyd said: “Three years ago, I received a diagnosis of Parkinson`s.”
“The diagnosis was a huge shock, especially since it followed what I thought was just a routine annual health assessment by the LMA.”
“It has taken me a while to feel ready to talk about my diagnosis, and I’ve struggled with not being completely open with everyone.”
“On a personal level, my passion for coaching remains as strong as ever. I am dedicated to staying physically fit, which is crucial in slowing down the progression of Parkinson`s.”
“I am now ready 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 served as head coach for the England U21 team for five years, revealed that his diagnosis came in November 2021.
He recounted the shock he felt upon learning he had Parkinson`s.
He stated: “I was speechless. I didn`t really know much about Parkinson`s. My immediate thoughts were for my children. I was uncertain about what the future held.”
Aidy Boothroyd`s Career
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 Premier League promotion 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, managing them for less than a year before leaving in May 2010 to become Coventry City manager.
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 moved into international management with the England U20 team, working with young players but achieving varied results.
6. England U21s
Dates Managed: September 2016 – June 2021
- Games Played: 56
- Games Won: 34
- Boothroyd managed England`s U21 team, leading them to the semi-finals of the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. His tenure concluded in 2021 following poor performances in that year`s tournament.
7. Jamshedpur FC
Dates Managed: July 2022 – May 2022
- Games played: 24
- Games Won: 8
- Boothroyd ventured to India`s top league. He described 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 truly shocked. I was completely stunned. I`ve kept this very private because I wanted to process it myself.”
Boothroyd described how Parkinson`s has caused “facial masking,” a symptom where individuals experience reduced facial expressions due to muscle stiffness or decreased responsiveness.
He added, “Facial masking is probably the most noticeable symptom for me. It occurs when dopamine in the brain struggles to reach the body, especially the facial muscles.”
“My face might feel like it`s smiling, but it may not appear that way to others.”
“I believe this facial masking has affected me, particularly in interviews. People often ask 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 not my usual self, suggesting I`m quieter, which is all related to Parkinson`s. But that`s far from the truth.”
“I am still enthusiastic and excited. I still enjoy my work and interacting with people. But dealing with facial masking has been challenging.”
Boothroyd also shared how difficult it has been to keep his diagnosis secret for so long.
He explained, “Honestly, it`s been a burden. It`s taken me three years to reach this point.”
“As I mentioned, many friends and well-wishers have asked if I`m feeling alright, and carrying this secret has been tough. It feels like my life, and the lives of my family, have been somewhat on hold. People have been incredibly supportive, which is wonderful.”
“I don`t want self-pity. I want to get back to work, whether on the field or wherever my path leads. I won`t let this illness define me.”
“I will continue to stay fit, maintain my gym routine, and hopefully find meaningful employment.”
“For now, it`s about sharing my story and raising awareness about this condition.”
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.
Throughout his coaching career, he has held roles at Watford, Colchester, Coventry, and Northampton Town, managing in every professional league in England.
During his time with the FA, he managed England`s youth teams across the U19, U20, and U21 levels.
Marcus Bellamy