Former England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd has shared that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The 54-year-old discovered his condition during a routine health check provided by the League Managers' Association (LMA).

Boothroyd made history as one of the youngest Premier League managers when he led Watford to promotion in 2006 at just 35 years old. He later took charge of England’s U21 team in 2016, following Gareth Southgate’s move to the senior national team.

Over his 18-year coaching career, Boothroyd also managed clubs like Northampton Town, Coventry City, and Colchester United. His most recent job was with Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC in the 2022-23 season.

He has now revealed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s shortly after leaving his England U21 role in 2021. The condition is a progressive neurological disorder that mainly affects movement.

"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.