FORMER Prem star turned manager Tommy Widdrington is recovering well after suffering two strokes last week.
The 53-year-old was supported by his loving family, including Strictly Come Dancing star son Kai, after he was rushed to hospital on November 27 with a sudden illness.
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Tommy Widdrington was rushed to hospital after suffering two strokes
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Widdrington’s son Kai is a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing
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Helen Skelton and Kai Widdrington pose during Strictly Come DancingCredit: Getty
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His wife Sharon was at his bedside as she spoke via a club statement
Widdrington has undergone scans and tests since then as part of treatment for two ischemic strokes at Southend General Hospital.
He is now manager of National League side Aldershot Town, having overseen 82 games since joining them in April last year.
His eldest son Kai is a professional dancer on Strictly, while his youngest, Theo, plays for Aldershot.
Kai posted a touching message on Instagram, writing: “Thank you to everyone who sent their messages of love and support.”
Despite his dad’s ongoing health battle, Kai was strong enough to challenge for the Guinness Book of World Records after an intense showdown in the annual Pro Challenge this week.
He beat Neil Jones with the most Cha Cha Cha Time Steps performed in half a minute.
Meanwhile, Widdrington’s family vowed to “rally” around the patriarch.
A statement from the Aldershot club on behalf of the family read: “Having been in good health prior to Wednesday, and historically generally, his response to this episode and initial treatment have been very encouraging.
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Kai thanked his fans on his Instagram story
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Tommy Widdrington spent four years playing in the Premier League with Southampton
“He has progressed well and is already feeling and looking much better.
“He returned home late Tuesday afternoon to begin further rehabilitation.
“He greatly appreciates all the messages of encouragement he has received from all over 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 fans of The Shots to know that he has full confidence in the staff and players in his absence and looks forward to returning to the game when he is deemed fit enough.”
The statement continued: “Tommy’s wife Sharon and immediate family have naturally rallied and will continue to support his recovery and hope and have made this statement in the hope of dispelling any possibility of misinformation being spread.”
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Kai finished eighth in Strictly last year
Meanwhile, son Kai was not paired with the celebrity contestant for the current series of Strictly 2024 and only appeared in group acts.
Speaking to the Daily Star, Kai said: “Everyone wants to get a celebrity. Unfortunately, it was not my time for this series.
“Two boys could not have one this series and unfortunately I am one of them. Some of us don’t get partners and that’s how it is.”
He added: “Let’s see what happens next year. I hope to get one then.”
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He partnered with Angela Rippon in 2023
The Strictly curse struck again when Kai and ex-girlfriend and dancer Nadiya Bychkova ended their relationship in July.
The former couple are battling rumors that things are cold after they allegedly refused to stand next to each other on screen.
A source told The Sun: ‘It’s painfully obvious that Nadiya and Kai are in an awkward phase after the break-up and are struggling to be close to each other.
“When the couple is in the Clauditorium, they’re always on opposite sides. Even though they might have big smiles on their faces when the cameras are rolling, it was very tense between them.”
Following Nadiya and Kai’s split, it was reported that Strictly bosses were considering banning on-the-job romances due to on-stage tension between the exes.
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Strictly dancers Nadiya and Kai called it quits in July
Meanwhile, father Widdrington’s illness came just four days after his side drew 2-2 with Dagenham & Redbridge.
Aldershot host Wealdstone in the third round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.
And instead of him, the club will be led by assistants Hugo Langton and Richard Dryden.
Newcastle-born Widdrington rose to fame as a midfielder for Southampton, who he joined as a youngster in 1987.
After making his League One debut in 1991, Widdrington became a major player for Saints following their promotion to the Premier League a year later.
What is ischemic stroke?
Ischemic stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked, cutting off blood flow and damaging brain cells.
Common symptoms of a transient ischemic attack include drooping of the face to one side, inability to raise the arms, and trouble speaking.
It can also change the way you think, feel and communicate. It is the most common type of stroke.
It accounts for about 87 percent of all strokes.
In total, he scored three goals in 90 games in 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 returned to the beautiful game as manager of Salisbury City.
Since then he has managed Hemel Hempstead, Eastbourne Borough and King’s Lynn – as well as two interim spells at Bristol Rovers.
Widdrington has been at current club Aldershot for 21 months, winning 32 of his 82 matches in charge.
The Hampshire side are currently 17th in the National League, with just one win in their last five games.
Others have also conceded goals in the league this season (33), three fewer than Boston United (36).
Son Theo, 25, currently plays for Aldershot, scoring one goal and assisting one this term.
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Widdrington scored three goals in his 90 appearances for the Saints
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