Bolton’s Stephen Darby retires at 29 after motor neurone disease diagnosis

• Right-back also played for Bradford, Liverpool and Swindon
• Bolton manager Parkinson praises ‘outstanding professional’

The Bolton defender Stephen Darby has announced his retirement, aged 29, after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The right-back, who began his career at his hometown club Liverpool, received the diagnosis from a specialist recently.

He joined Bolton in the summer of 2017 but has not played since December. “It is with great sadness that I announce my immediate retirement from professional football due to a recent diagnosis of motor neurone disease,” said Darby in a statement released by the club.

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