Marcus Stewart departs Yeovil after MND diagnosis

Marcus Stewart has left Yeovil Town FC

Ex-professional footballer Marcus Stewart has left his role as Yeovil Town FC's head of player development more than two years after he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Yeovil Town FC said the former Bristol Rovers, Bristol City, Exeter City, Ipswich Town, Sunderland and Yeovil striker remained "a cherished part of our club's history and a much-admired figure within the wider football community".

Bristol-born Stewart was diagnosed with MND in September 2022 and has since raised awareness of the condition, completing a 178-mile (286km) march to raise research funding.

The club added its "very best wishes to Marcus and his family as he continues his fight with dignity and courage".

"He will always be welcome at Huish Park," it said in a statement.

Stewart played in all top four tiers in England, with 254 goals in 783 games in a career spanning 20 years at eight different clubs.

He scored 19 goals in the Premier League in the 2000-01 season as Ipswich Town finished fifth and qualified for the Uefa Cup.

Marcus Stewart used to play for the Glovers before joining Ipswich Town

Stewart joined the Glovers in June 2022 as head of player development.

The statement continued: "In September 2022, Marcus bravely shared the news of his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a moment that touched the hearts of supporters across the footballing world.

"Despite facing this immense personal challenge, he continued to serve the club with dedication and resilience."