Cotterill was scared he’d ‘die in sleep’
STEVE COTTERILL was apologetic – he didn’t feel well enough to talk on the phone about being named League One manager of the month.
It was early January and it had been some start as Shrewsbury manager for the experienced 57-year-old, who had been in charge of the likes of Burnley, Stoke, Portsmouth and Birmingham.
But with the Shrews about to face Southampton in the FA Cup third round, football was the last thing on his mind as his health suddenly deteriorated.
A few hours later after our quick chat, Cotterill was on his way to hospital and battling to avoid becoming another victim of Covid-19.
He spent 33 days in the Bristol Royal Infirmary – some of it in intensive care – and was later readmitted when his condition worsened for another 16 days, during which he feared for his life.
“One night I was determined not to go to sleep because I was really worried I wouldn’t wake up again,” he said. “It was really scary, awful. Being on oxygen, trying to get out of bed to use a commode, it knocks you for six.
“I had to have a Picc line (tube) inserted, but it punctured a lung, so all the oxygen that was going in was coming out. It was like trying to blow up a balloon which had a pin prick in it.
“I then had this horrible choking sensation which went on for around two weeks. But thankfully, I’m here to tell the tale and continue my career in football. I can’t thank the people enough who looked after me.”
The messages of support have poured in from all over the game and, following his return to the dugout for the start of the season, opposition fans have joined the Shrewsbury faithful in welcoming Cotterill back.
But he admitted: “I wouldn’t say I’m back to full health and everything is all right.
“On Wednesday, I had a real tired day. All of a sudden, having a couple of games back to back has been really tiring.
“I’ve got to be sensible and save a bit of my energy. But my staff have been really good. Before, I might have allowed myself to be rushed off my feet and wouldn’t want to ask for help.
“I realise now I can’t do it all. I’m going to need time because I’m stuck with this long Covid, which will take a while to get out of my system.
“It’s now about carrying on and getting my lungs better.”