Motor neurone disease forces Bolton defender to retire aged 29

Bolton Wanderers defender Stephen Darby has announced his retirement from football, aged 29, after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

Having undergone a series of tests over recent months, Darby was diagnosed with the degenerative condition last week – which affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time.

The former Liverpool and Bradford City player had been alerted to the signs after his hand slipped from the wheel whilst driving.

Bolton manager Phil Parkinson said: “This is heartbreaking news for Stephen and his family and the thoughts of everybody at Bolton Wanderers Football Club are very much with him. He is an outstanding professional and a fantastic person.

“He typified everything the city and the football club represented and led by example on and off the pitch. All the staff at Bolton Wanderers Football Club think the world of him and are determined to give him every possible bit of support.”

MND is a degenerative condition that affects how nerves in the brain and spinal cord function. There is currently no cure. Although the disease will progress, symptoms can be managed to help achieve the best possible quality of life. It can affect adults of any age, but it is more likely to affect people over 50.

The full back, who has been at the University of Bolton Stadium since the summer of 2017, received the diagnosis from a specialist.

Team-mates, past and present, have expressed their support upon hearing the news.

Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool and England defender said on Instagram: “Heartbreaking news for Stephen Darby and his family, with him having to retire with such a devastating diagnosis. Genuinely the nicest lad I’ve ever met in football.”

PFA’s Matthew Buck, who has been Darby’s agent throughout his career, added: “Retiring from football is difficult. To have to do so under the circumstances Stephen has faced, demonstrates the measure of the man. Inspirational.

“It has been an honour to represent Stephen for the past twelve years and I will continue to support him in his battle ahead.”

For more information about MND visit: www.mndassociation.org