Former footballer Marcus Stewart gives an update on his battle with motor neurone disease after leaving Yeovil Town.
The 52 year old stepped down from his coaching role at the National League outfit in May 2025, having to deal with the the progression of his MND, which he was diagnosed with in 2022.
He spoke of having increasing physical limitations, such as difficulty with basic tasks, as the reason for leaving his part-time role as head of player development.
Stewart, who joined Yeovil’s coaching staff in June 2022, said football helped him cope with his diagnosis, and he praised the club’s support.
Currently focused on relocating to Manchester with his family, he remains active in fundraising for the Darby Rimmer Foundation to support MND research and patients.
A pre-season friendly between Yeovil and Bristol Rovers on July 19th, dubbed a ‘Match for Marcus,’ will honour his career and raise MND awareness.
Tomorrow morning…
Marcus Stewart and I discuss leaving football, fundraising and the future. Full interview on @BBCSounds, @bbcbristolsport and @bbcsomerset.
This is ahead of @YTFC v @Official_BRFC next weekend celebrating his career. #ytfc #somersetsport #MND pic.twitter.com/oXzueAbzLR
— Jack Killah (@jackkillah) July 10, 2025
“I think I needed football at that time”
In his first interview since leaving his coaching role at @ytfcofficial Marcus Stewart speaks about football, MND and his hopes for the future.
Full interview out now.#ytfc @Official_BRFC #mnd @gloverscast https://t.co/fcj8vjwGyl
— Jack Killah (@jackkillah) July 11, 2025
“Things are getting difficult, slowly taking my independence away,” Stewart told BBC Radio Somerset.
“Next year I don’t think I’d be able to physically do the job even though I was part-time.
“I didn’t really want to rely on people next season and I didn’t want to commit to something and then halfway through the season have to quit the club.
“It’s very difficult to clean my teeth, put my shoes on. It seems to have affected my right arm now as well as my left.
“But it’s all about finding solutions for me, not having a problem. That’s what I’ve got to do every time it affects me in some sort of way.”
Despite played football between 1991 and 2011, and followed it for much of his life, he said he hasn’t missed the sport these days, as he prepares for a move with his family to Manchester.
“For the last 30-odd years I’ve always had this time of year off anyway, so it’s just normal for me,” he continued to say.
“Give it a month or two when things have settled down and I’m in the house and I’m watching more football, I think that’s a question for then.
“At the moment there’s so many things going on in my life.”
But he does feel thankful having football in his life, adding: “I’m sure if I look back in two or three years’ time I’d realise that I needed that football environment to help with dealing with the diagnosis.
“And the support they’ve given me as a club, and the staff members, has been top class.”
“The biggest kick I get out of it is when I see so many people with MND that haven’t got a voice – not like a profile, like literally [no voice],” Stewart said.
“They want to help and they want to get involved and they can’t move. I suppose I can help, along with Kevin Sinfield, Stephen Darby and Ed Slater, with getting it out there and helping raise funds and find a cure.”
Looking ahead to the ‘Match for Marcus’ pre-season friendly, he said: “It’s very nice that people think about me and think about MND and it was kind of them to think about me for that game,” Stewart said.
“All I’ve got to do is hope that we keep on fundraising and do a lot more for MND.”
In May 2025, Yeovil wrote: “Yeovil Town Football Club can confirm that Marcus Stewart has departed his role as Head of Player Development.
“Marcus rejoined the Glovers in June 2022, becoming an integral part of our football operations under then-manager Chris Hargreaves. As a former Glover and a highly respected figure in the English game, Marcus brought with him a wealth of experience from a distinguished playing career, including memorable spells at Ipswich Town and Sunderland.
“His commitment to developing talent and raising standards at Huish Park was clear throughout his time with the club. His insight and leadership were instrumental in guiding the squad and mentoring younger players during a key transitional period for Yeovil Town.
“In September 2022, Marcus bravely shared the news of his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a moment that touched the hearts of supporters across the footballing world. Despite facing this immense personal challenge, he continued to serve the club with dedication and resilience.
“Everyone at Yeovil Town FC wishes to place on record our sincere thanks to Marcus for his contributions both on and off the pitch. He remains a cherished part of our club’s history and a much-admired figure within the wider football community.
“We extend our very best wishes to Marcus and his family as he continues his fight with dignity and courage. He will always be welcome at Huish Park.”
MND HELPLINES:
MND (Motor Neurone Disease)
Comprehensive help and information from the NHS including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, including links to external sites.
MNDA
MND Connect: 0808 802 6262
The Motor Neurone Disease Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that funds and promotes global research into the disease and provides support for people affected by MND. The helpline provides advice, practical and emotional support and directing to other services and agencies, for people living with MND, carers, family members, Health and Social Care Professionals and Association staff and volunteers.
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
We are My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and we’re absolutely committed to our goal: A World Free of MND. We will leave no stone unturned in the relentless pursuit of this goal as we fund, guide and enable the smartest, most efficient MND research to catalyse a cure for motor neuron disease. It is our aim to be a strong, evidence-based, and trusted voice for MND patients, their families, and the wider community through education, awareness-raising, campaigning, and advocacy activities.
The Brain & Spine Foundation
Helpline: 0808 808 1000
The Brain and Spine Helpline is staffed by neuroscience nurses and other health professionals. It covers all neurological conditions, from the fairly common to the very rare, and can offer information and support on any medical or related social and emotional issues of concern. The service answers queries by telephone, letter or email as well as providing an opportunity for people to share their experiences of having a neurological condition on the discussion forum.
Sue Ryder
At Sue Ryder, we believe grief deserves better. We want the nation to open up about death and grief. Together we can make sure no one faces death or grief alone. We are here to make sure that everyone approaching the end-of-life or living with grief can access the support they need. We can’t make life’s most difficult moments easy, but we can carry some of the load.
