Former Premier League manager Aidy Boothroyd has been living with Parkinson’s for the past three years, he has revealed. The 54-year-old kept the ‘massive shock’ a secret after it was picked up during a routine health assessment, but he has now shed light on his condition via an emotional video posted by the League Managers Association (LMA).

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder which causes symptoms like tremors, stiffness and slow movements. The disease itself is not fatal, but complications from the symptoms can reduce life expectancy.

Boothroyd said: “I was diagnosed in November 2021. Emma, my wife, said it could be a good time to do my health check, which I do on a regular basis. I went and got checked over, everything was well, but [the doctor] just wanted to check a couple of extra things.

“That was it, I didn’t think anything about it. I was expecting to get a clean bill of health. And then came the bombshell. I remember it well, it was pouring with rain, it was an awful day. I didn’t know what to do or say. I kept thinking about my kids.

“I wasn’t sure what was next. I was shocked, I was dumbstruck really. I’ve kept very quiet about it, only a handful of people knew.

“There are over 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s. In my case, the one I’ve noticed the most is facial masking. That is when the dopamine in the brain can’t get to the facial muscles. I could be outwardly smiling, but actually, my face isn’t doing that at all. Psychologically it’s been tough.”

Boothroyd led Watford to victory in the 2005/06 Championship play-offs and went with them to the Premier League. He later enjoyed spells with Colchester United, Coventry City, Northampton Town and various England age groups before spending five years in charge of the Under-21s.

Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Boothroyd has taken on a number of roles to keep him busy.

“What I needed was to get back out there again,” he continued. “I was fortunate that I got a call from Sheffield United to mentor two of their former players who were just starting their coaching careers. I loved it there, brilliant club.

“Out of absolutely nowhere, I got a call from India [to manage Jamshedpur]. I was feeling great at the time, enjoying the weather, we were travelling around India and playing games. It was a brilliant experience.”