Former Premier League star Tommy Widdrington, 53, suffers two strokes as family ‘rally around him’

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.”

Widdrington’s illness came on the back of a 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 was back in business 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.

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