Aidy Boothroyd, the former England under-21 manager, has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease following a routine health assessment offered by the League Managers’ Association (LMA).
The 54-year-old, who became one of the youngest-ever Premier League managers by guiding Watford to promotion to the English top-flight at the age of 35 in 2006, spent five years in the post of England U21 coach after succeeding Gareth Southgate following his elevation to the senior managers’ position in 2016.
Boothroyd also managed EFL clubs Northampton Town, Coventry City and Colchester United during an 18-year coaching career which culminated with a one-year spell in charge of Indian Super League team Jamshedpur FC during the 2022-23 season.
But Boothroyd has now revealed that he has been living with Parkinson’s, a progressive neurological disorder which primarily affects movement, since shortly after leaving his post with England in 2021.
“I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in November 2021,” Boothroyd said in a statement. “The news came as a massive shock to me, following what I expected to be my routine LMA Annual Health Assessment. I was expecting everything to be fine, but then came the bombshell.
“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 and I am ready to start the next chapter in my life.
“I’ve chosen to not tell people because I was worried they might think of me differently than before, so that has been tough. Psychologically it has been tough, physically it has been a lot easier because I’m a former footballer, but now I feel a lot more able to talk about these things.”
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan paid tribute to Boothroyd’s passion and determination since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
“Aidy has displayed incredible positivity, resolve and determination since his Parkinson’s diagnosis three years ago,” Bevan said. “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.”
