‘FIGHTER’ STEPHEN GETS PARKY SALUTE
BOLTON manager Phil Parkinson has backed ‘fighter’ Stephen Darby after the defender’s retirement from football.
The 29-year-old, married to England women’s captain Steph Houghton, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, a degenerative condition that affects how nerves in the brain and spinal cord function.
Darby came through the ranks at hometown club Liverpool and had loan spells at Swindon, Notts County and Rochdale while on the Reds’ books.
But his career really took off when he joined Parkinson’s Bradford City in 2012. In an incredible first season with the Bantams, Darby won promotion to League One and also played in the League Cup final.
Stunning
In 2015, Darby captained Bradford to a stunning 4-2 victory at Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round.
He joined Bolton a little over a year ago, reuniting with his former Bradford boss Parkinson.
“It’s hurt us all and our thoughts are with him and his family,” Parkinson told
BBC Radio Manchester. “As you can imagine, when I told the lads on Monday it was a very sombre training ground.
“It’s hard for anybody who gets this news, but I’ve been through a lot with Stephen over the years. He’s a fighter.”
Trotters chairman Ken Anderson said: “We were all saddened when we found out that Stephen has to retire from the profession he loves.
“Stephen is very well thought of by everybody at Bolton Wanderers and he will always be welcome at the University of Bolton Stadium.”
The man himself has thanked the club for their backing.
Sadness
He said: “It is with great sadness that I announce my immediate retirement from professional football due to a recent diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank my teammates, Phil Parkinson and all the staff at Bolton Wanderers Football Club for their amazing support at what has been an extremely difficult period for myself and my family.
“I would like to ask for privacy at this time so I can adjust to the battle I have ahead and so that I can spend time with those closest to me.”
Later in the week, his wife, Houghton, tweeted: “Thank you everyone for your messages over the last few days. We can’t thank you all enough for your love and support. We are overwhelmed. We will keep fighting and most of all keep smiling!”