FORMER Prem star-turned-manager Tommy Widdrington is recovering well after suffering two strokes last week.
The 53-year-old has been supported by his loving family after being rushed to hospital with a sudden illness on November 27.
Widdrington has been undergoing scans and tests since as part of treatment for an ischaemic stroke at Southend General hospital.
He is now manager of National League side Aldershot Town, having overseen 82 matches since joining them in April last year.
A club statement, on behalf of his family, read: “Being of good health prior to Wednesday, and historically in general, his response to this episode and the initial treatment has been very encouraging.
“He has made very good progress and is feeling and looking a lot better already.
“He returned home late Tuesday afternoon to begin further rehabilitation.
“He is very appreciative of all the messages of encouragement he’s received from all corners of the football world.”
It is not yet known when Widdrington will be well enough to return to the dugout.
His family added: “He also wants The Shots fans to know he has total faith in the staff and the players in his absence and looks forward to being back in the dugout when he’s deemed fit enough to do so.”
What is an ischemic stroke?
An ischemic stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked, cutting off blood flow and damaging brain cells.
Common symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack include your face dropping on one side, not being able to lift your arms, and speech problems.
It can also change how you think, feel and communicate. It’s the most common type of stroke.
It accounts for about 87 per cent of all strokes.
The statement continued: “Tommy’s wife, Sharon, and immediate family have of course rallied and will continue to support his recovery and hope and have made this statement in the hope that it will quash any possibility of misinformation being circulated.”
His eldest son Kai is a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, while the youngest, Theo, signed his first pro football contract with Portsmouth in 2017.
Widdrington’s illness came just four days after his side’s 2-2 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge.
Aldershot host Wealdstone in the third round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.
And in his place, the club will be led by assistants Hugo Langton and Richard Dryden.
Newcastle-born Widdrington made his name as a midfielder with Southampton, who he joined as a kid in 1987.
After making his First Division debut in 1991, Widdrington become a big player for the Saints following their promotion to the Premier League a year later.
In total, he netted three goals in 90 games at St Mary’s.
Widdrington went on to star at other clubs including Grimsby, Port Vale, Hartlepool and Macclesfield.
He retired from playing in 2005 after a second spell at Port Vale.
But four years later, Widdrington returned to the beautiful as a manager with Salisbury City.
He has since taken charge of Hemel Hempstead, Eastbourne Borough and King’s Lynn – as well as two interim stints at Bristol Rovers.
Widdrington has been at current club Aldershot for 21 months, winning 32 of his 82 matches at the helm.
The Hampshire-based outfit currently sit 17th in the National League, with just one win in their last five games.
And they’ve conceded the second most goals in the league this season (33), three less than Boston United (36).
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