LONDON (AP) — Former England Under-21 coach Aidy Boothroyd revealed Wednesday he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago.
Boothroyd coached Watford in the Premier League before he took over the vacant England Under-21 job in 2016 when Gareth Southgate was promoted to coach the national team.
“It has taken me time to feel ready to share my diagnosis, and I have found it difficult not being completely open with people,” the 54-year-old Boothroyd said in a statement released by the League Managers Association.
Parkinson’s is a neurologic disease that affects control of a person’s movements. It typically starts with tremors and is characterized by slow movement, a shuffling gait, stiff limbs, balance problems and slurred speech.
“Personally, my passion and love for coaching is as strong as ever,” said Boothroyd, whose last job was in India two years ago. “I am focusing on keeping physically fit, which is key to slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s.”
Boothroyd spent five years in the England job and took his team to the semifinals of the Under-21 European Championship in 2017.
He said his focus is now on keeping fit and bringing more awareness to the condition.
“To be honest it’s been a burden, three years it’s taken me to come to this position,” Boothroyd said. “Psychologically it’s been tough, physically it’s been easier.”
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
FILE - England head coach Gareth Southgate, left, talks with Under 21 manager and delegation member Adrian Boothroyd on the pitch before the quarterfinal match between Sweden and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Samara Arena, in Samara, Russia, Saturday, July 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)
HOUSTON (AP) — Isaac Paredes homered for the third straight game, driving in four runs to propel the Houston Astros to a 5-1 victory over the Athletics on Friday night.
Jeremy Peña singled off Jack Perkins (2-3) to begin the first inning, extending his hitting streak to six games before Yordan Alvarez followed with a walk. Paredes homered for the ninth time for a 3-0 lead.
Alvarez, who chased down first-inning fly balls from Shea Langeliers and Nick Kurtz in left field in his first start out there since May 5, singled to start the third before scoring on a triple by Christian Walker. Paredes followed with a sacrifice fly for a 5-0 advantage.
Peter Lambert (5-4) was cruising until Brent Rooker hit his ninth homer in the sixth. The right-hander then walked Tyler Soderstrom in front of a double by Henry Bolte to put runners on second and third with one out. Enyel De Los Santos came in and struck out Zach Gelof before retiring Jeff McNeil on a liner to Jose Altuve at second to limit the damage.
The Athletics loaded the bases with one out in the second, but Lambert struck out McNeil and Darell Hernaiz to keep it 3-0. He allowed one run on five hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings.
De Los Santos retired all five batters he faced, Bryan King pitched a scoreless eighth, and closer Josh Hader struck out the side in his second appearance after beginning the season on the injured list.
Altuve singled in the eighth and finished 1 for 4 in his first game since May 16 when he landed on the IL with a strained left oblique. It was the only hit off reliever Mason Barnett over the final four innings.
Perkins was charged with all five runs in four innings.
Athletics RHP Kade Morris was set to make his big-league debut on the mound Saturday, opposite Astros rookie RHP Tatsuya Imai (2-3, 5.52).
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Athletics relief pitcher Mason Barnett throws against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Houston Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert throws against the Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Athletics starting pitcher Jack Perkins throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Houston Astros Jeremy Peña (3), designated hitter Isaac Paredes (15) and Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrate after they all score on the three run home run by Paredes against the Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Houston Astros designated hitter Isaac Paredes flips his bat as he watches his hit against the Athletics during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
