- The team he currently manages have released a statement on his condition
- His son then took to social media to thank fans on the back of the news
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A former Premier League star is making ‘very good progress’ in hospital after suffering two strokes.
Tommy Widdrington, who played in the top flight for four years for Southampton having joined them in 1990, was taken ill last week and underwent tests after feeling unwell, it has been revealed.
The news was explained via Aldershot Town, who Widdrington manages, having taken up coaching upon his retirement from playing nearly 15 years ago.
‘The following is a statement from Tommy Widdrington’s family with an update on Tommy’s health after being taken ill last week,’ Aldershot posted on social media.
The statement read: ‘Tommy was taken to hospital late afternoon of last Wednesday (27th) after feeling unwell around 1pm that day whilst he was at home on his own. He was admitted to Southend General Hospital in the early hours of Thursday (28th Nov) morning.
‘Following extensive tests/scans it was confirmed he’d suffered two strokes. Over the following 6 days he was monitored and had further tests in line with the treatment of an ischaemic stroke.
Former Premier League star Tommy Widdrington is in hospital after suffering two strokes
The former Southampton man, pictured alongside wife Sharon, was taken ill last week
Going into coaching after he finished playing, he is currently the manager of Aldershot
‘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. 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.
‘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.’
Aldershot added: ‘We ask that the privacy of Tommy and his family is respected whilst he continues his recovery.’
After leaving Southampton in 1996, Widdington went onto play for the likes of Grimsby, Port Vale and Hartlepool.
He also had stints at Macclesfield and Salisbury, which is where he started his managerial career.
The 53-year-old has also coached Hemel Hempstead Town and Eastbourne Borough, whilst having two stints as Bristol Rovers caretaker coach.
He was with King’s Lynn between 2021 and 2023, and was appointed by Aldershot just days after leaving Town. Aldershot are currently 17th in the National League table.
Widdrington’s son, Kai (right), is a professional dancer on ITV show Strictly Come Dancing
Kai has been on the show since 2021, though was not given a celebrity partner this year
He took to social media on Friday to thank fans for their support for his father
Widdrington’s son, Kai, is a professional dancer on ITV show Strictly Come Dancing and has been since 2021.
A former Britain’s Got Talent finalist, he does not have a celebrity partner for this year but has formerly been paired with the likes of AJ Odudu and Angela Ripon.
Kai took to Instagram to thank fans for their well wishes, posting: ‘Thank you to everyone who has sent their messages of love and support,’ accompanied by a love heart emoji.
This week, the dancer broke a Guinness World Record after beating Neil Jones to the most Cha Cha Cha Time Steps in half a minute.
