Marcus Stewart, a former Premier League star, has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease after 12 months of extensive medical tests.
Stewart played for eight different clubs over a 20-year period, including Bristol Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Ipswich Town, Sunderland, Bristol City, Yeovil Town and Exeter City, scoring over 250 goals.
With 19 goals in 2000/01, he finished second behind Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink in the Premier League scoring charts, helping Ipswich to fifth place and qualification for the UEFA Cup. The striker also made over 100 appearances for Sunderland, helping the club return to the Premier League in 2004-05.
The 49-year-old has performed at all levels of English professional football and, after retiring as a player, went on to become a coach and manager, working for Exeter City, Bristol Rovers and Walsall. Stewart is currently the head of player development for Yeovil Town.
After his diagnosis, he said (via Sky Sports):
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank those closest to me for their unconditional support since my recent diagnosis.
“While I am taking the time to adjust, my intention is to continue enjoying my job in football and spending time with my family.
“In the future, I would like to use my platform within football to help raise awareness of MND, but in the short term, I would like to ask for privacy on behalf of myself and my family.”
Marcus and his wife Louise have also announced that they will be creating a JustGiving page, with all proceeds benefiting the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.
This is heartbreaking news and everyone hopes that Marcus will make a speedy recovery from his illness.
