Former Premier League manager Aidy Boothroyd has publicly spoken about his fight against Parkinson`s disease.
In a heartfelt video and statement released through the League Managers Association, the 54-year-old Boothroyd disclosed that he has been privately coping with the condition for the past three years.
According to his statement: “I received a Parkinson`s diagnosis three years ago.”
“This news was a significant shock, especially since it followed what I believed to be a routine annual health assessment by the LMA.”
“It has taken me some time to process and feel ready to share this diagnosis, and I have struggled with not being completely open with people.”
“On a personal level, my enthusiasm and passion for coaching remain incredibly strong. I am dedicated to maintaining my physical fitness, which I understand 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 served as head coach for the England U21 team for five years, mentioned that his diagnosis was made in November 2021.
The former defender recounted his initial reaction to the news, expressing his shock.
He stated, “I was speechless. I wasn`t really informed about Parkinson`s. My immediate thoughts were for my children, and I felt uncertain about the future.”
Aidy Boothroyd`s Career Overview
A brief look into Aidy Boothroyd`s coaching journey…
1. Watford
Dates Managed: March 2005 – November 2008
- Games Played: 184
- Games Won: 75
- Boothroyd took over Watford in March 2005 and led them to promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs in 2006. However, they were relegated after one season in the top flight. He left the club 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 and managed them for less than a season. He left the club in May 2010 to take over 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 let go in March 2011.
4. Northampton Town
Dates Managed: November 2011 – January 2014
- Games Played: 106
- Games Won: 38
- Boothroyd took charge of Northampton Town in League Two. He 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 management with the England U20 team, working with young talent but achieving mixed results during his tenure.
6. England U21s
Dates Managed: September 2016 – June 2021
- Games Played: 56
- Games Won: 34
- Boothroyd became manager of England`s U21 team, guiding them to the semi-finals of the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. However, his tenure ended in 2021 after poor performances in the 2021 tournament.
7. Jamshedpur FC
Dates Managed: July 2022 – May 2022
- Games played: 24
- Games Won: 8
- Boothroyd left England to try his hand at management in the Indian top flight. He has since described it as “a brilliant experience and one that I`d recommend anybody to do”.
Summary of Managerial Career Stats:
- Total Games Played: 449
- Total Games Won: 179
“I was truly shocked and quite stunned. I`ve kept this very private as I wanted to.”
Boothroyd described how Parkinson`s has resulted in “facial masking,” a symptom where individuals experience reduced facial expressions 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 effectively reach the body, particularly the facial muscles.”
“My face might feel like it`s outwardly smiling, but it may not actually reflect that at all.”
“I`m certain that this facial masking could be misinterpreted in situations like job interviews, leading people to question if I`m alright or if something is wrong because I don`t appear to be my usual self.”
“Many people have commented that I seem unlike myself and a bit quiet, which is all related to Parkinson`s. However, this couldn`t be further from how I actually feel.”
“I remain enthusiastic and excited. I still enjoy my work and interacting with people. But the facial masking has been a challenging aspect to accept.”
The Bradford-born coach also shared the emotional toll of keeping his diagnosis secret for so long.
He explained, “To be honest, it has been a weight to carry. It has taken me three years to reach this point of sharing.”
“As I mentioned, I`ve received many well wishes and inquiries from friends asking if I`m feeling okay.”
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson`s is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain and worsens over time.
Approximately 153,000 people in the UK are living with Parkinson`s.
Individuals with Parkinson`s have insufficient dopamine due to the malfunction of nerve cells that produce it.
This deficiency can lead to over 40 different symptoms, with the primary ones being:
- Tremor (shaking)
- Slow movement (bradykinesia)
- Rigidity (muscle stiffness)
Other common symptoms include:
- Mild memory and thinking problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Balance issues
- Pain
- Anxiety and depression
- Shuffling gait with small steps
- Difficulty with facial expressions
- Loss of smell
- Urinary problems
- Constipation
The primary management strategies for Parkinson`s include medication, physical activity, occupational, physical, and speech therapy, and symptom monitoring.
Source: Parkinson`s UK and NHS
“Having to keep this private has been difficult. It feels like my life, and that of my family and children, has been somewhat on hold. People`s concern and helpfulness are greatly appreciated.”
“I don`t seek sympathy or pity. My goal is to return to coaching or find another role where I can contribute. I am determined not to let this condition define me.”
“I will continue to stay active, maintain my fitness, 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, resilience, 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 all professional leagues in England.
During his time with the FA, he managed England`s youth teams at the U19, U20, and U21 levels.
