Bolton Wanderers defender Stephen Darby has announced his retirement from football after recently being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, at the age of 29.
Stephen has been an integral member of the PFA, having been club delegate during his time at Bradford, a former Management Committee member and is represented by the PFA’s Player Management.
Matthew Buck, Director of Player Management at the PFA, “Stephen has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and as a consequence has had to retire from professional football with immediate effect.
“As a footballer Stephen has been the epitome of a true professional. Since I first met him and began representing him at the age of 17, he has dedicated himself to the sport and has had a successful career, whilst experiencing the highs and lows of the game.
“Stephen won two Youth Cups with Liverpool and represented England at Under 19. He made his debut for Liverpool, in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven in December 2008.
"Stephen had loan spells with Swindon Town, Notts County and Rochdale before a permanent move to Bradford City in the summer of 2012. Stephen was part of the successful Bradford side that won promotion to League One and had an unlikely run to the 2013 League Cup final beating three Premier League sides before finally falling to Swansea City at Wembley.
“Whilst at Bradford he made 236 appearances, captaining the team for two seasons. Stephen joined Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 2017, linking-up with his former Bradford City Manager, Phil Parkinson.
“Stephen has become a good friend over the years and knowing Stephen throughout his football career I am sure he will face the future with the same determination and resolve he showed throughout his football career.
“I have seen first hand how difficult the last few weeks have been for Stephen, Steph and his family but he has conducted himself with a tremendous amount of dignity and bravery. Stephen has been a credit to his profession and myself and the PFA will continue to support Stephen in his battle ahead against Motor Neurone Disease”
The PFA will be supporting Stephen, Steph and family throughout this time.
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