'I won't let this define me'- Boothroyd on Parkinson's diagnosis

Aidy Boothroyd has managed five clubs during his career, as well as spells with England Under-19s, Under-20s and Under-21s

Former Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd says he "doesn't want pity" after revealing he has Parkinson's disease and plans to continue coaching.

The 54-year-old says he was diagnosed three years ago following a routine health check seven months after leaving his role as England under-21s manager.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder affecting the brain and nervous system.

"All I want is to get back on the pitch. I won't let this define me," Boothroyd said in a video interview with the League Manager's Association (LMA).

'Then came the bombshell'

Boothroyd said he was "shocked" after his diagnosis in November 2021, which followed a 'fit to manage' health check organised by the LMA.

He was referred a neurologist but was still expecting to get a clean bill of health.

"I thought everything was fine and then came the bombshell," he said.

"I remember it well. It was raining and pouring. It was an awful day. And the guy [neurologist] said to me, this is a picture of a normal brain, and this is the picture of your brain. You can see the difference. You have Parkinson's. I'm very sorry.

"I didn't know what to do, what to say. I didn't really know what Parkinson's was. I just kept thinking about my kids. I wasn't sure what was next. I was shocked."

Boothroyd only shared news of his diagnosis with a handful of people, saying he "wasn't ready" to announce it more widely.

'Hopefully I can get a job with a purpose'

A person with Parkinson's disease can experience a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms.

Boothroyd says his main symptom is facial masking, which impacts the facial muscles and makes it hard for others to interpret your mood.

"My face in my opinion could be outwardly smiling but actually it's not doing that at all," he said.

"I've had so many people say 'you're not your normal self, you're so quiet'.

"Nothing could be further from the truth. I'm enthusiastic, I'm excited. I still enjoy the job and working with people, but that was a tough one to take."

Despite the diagnosis Boothroyd was keen to continue working, having short coaching spells with Sheffield United and Northern Ireland before a year managing Indian side Jamshedpur.

He says going public with his disease brings a sense of relief, but he does not want it to prevent him from doing what he loves.

"I don't want to wallow. I don't want pity," he said. "I'll continue, I'll keep fit. I'll do whatever I have got to do in the gym and hopefully, I can get a job with a purpose.

"But for now it's about getting this off my chest and seeing if I can bring more awareness to this condition."

'Aidy's attitude has been an inspiration'

Boothroyd managed Watford from 2005-2008, winning promotion to the Premier League in 2006 and reaching an FA Cup semi-final the following season.

He also managed Colchester United, Coventry City, Northampton Town and from 2014-2021 was in charge of various England's youth teams.

LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said: "Aidy has displayed incredible positivity, resolve and determination since his Parkinson's diagnosis three years ago.

"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."

Parkinson's disease affects nearly 10 million people worldwide and more than 150,000 in the UK.

There is no cure and no treatment to slow or stop the disease, although therapies exist to help manage symptoms.

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