Messages of support have poured in from across the football world after Marcus Stewart, a hero from his days at Bristol Rovers and Ipswich Town among other clubs, revealed his motor neurone disease diagnosis.
The 49-year-old, who also played for Bristol City, Huddersfield Town and Sunderland, announced last Thursday he had been diagnosed with the condition – which affects the brain and nerves, weakening the body over time and reducing life expectancy – after 12 months of testing.
“In the future, I would like to use my platform within football to help raise awareness around MND, but in the short-term, I would like to ask for privacy on behalf of myself and my family," Stewart said.
Bristol-born Stewart enjoyed a fine playing career, scoring more than 250 goals across more than 650 appearances in the professional game. He has since moved into coaching, spending time as a development coach and assistant manager with Rovers.
He is currently head of player development at Yeovil Town and he has made many friends from his time in football, with messages of support coming in from far and wide.
Former Ipswich and England striker Darren Bent, who came through the ranks at Portman Road when Stewart was a senior player, said: "Sad news regarding my former teammate and somebody I looked up to as a kid and helped me so much at the start of my journey. Marcus Stewart, thoughts go out to you and your family."
Gas legend Chris Lines, who would have grown up watching Stewart in the blue and white quarters before being coached by him at Rovers, said: "Legend. Sending all my love to Stewey and the family."
Stewart linked up with friend and former Rovers coaching colleague Chris Hargreaves at Yeovil this summer, and the Glovers boss spoke of the "shock" the diagnosis has caused at Huish Park.
"He is held in such a high regard in football and at this football club by the staff, the players and supporters," Hargreaves said.
"We'll be there with Marcus with absolutely unwavering support and what Marcus wants is to be with the players, enjoy coaching, and that's what we want.
"Marcus had a good chat with the players this week and was making them all laugh, as normal, and he was saying he is right behind them and wants to be with the players. That's his love, so that combined with spending time with his family are the priorities, but we are all friends of Marcus and we are only thinking of him and that will continue."
Tony Mowbray, now in charge of Championship side Sunderland, played with Stewart during a period of incredible success at Ipswich Town, leading the Tractor Boys into the Premier League. He said it was "painful" to learn of his former teammate's diagnosis.
“I’ve only just found out and while I’m not a medical expert, I do know about motor neurone disease. I knew Lenny Johnrose, who came to our training ground at Blackburn quite a few times and sadly passed away fairly recently," Mowbray said.
"I don’t what to say other than, Marcus Stewart – what a fantastic footballer he was. He played in an Ipswich team that finished fifth in the Premier League after that promotion year in 2000. He’s just a great guy really, a lovely football man.
“It’s actually quite painful for me, having a teammate who’s so young and talented, and such a nice personality. I think he was at Bristol Rovers when I last came across him, on their staff, and I can just wish him well.
“I know how tough motor neurone disease is – there’s some pretty high-profile people who have it in world sport at the moment, in football and rugby. It’s devastating news, and I find it difficult to put words on it because he was such a good friend and brilliant teammate.
“I remember Ipswich going to Anfield, and him scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Premier League. I’ve got great memories of him, and personally, I prefer to think of those great days and his happy smile, and wish him well in the battle he’s got ahead.”
Former Norwich City striker Chris Sutton expressed his sadness at the diagnosis, while Stewart's former teammate Darren Byfield said: "Gutted to hear about Marcus Stewart’s illness, only have good things to say about him. What a guy and one of the reasons why I enjoyed my time at Sunderland so much. S*** things seem to always land on good people. Absolutely gutted."
Former Liverpool midfielder David Thompson said: "Hope Marcus Stewart can get the help and support he needs to help him with his terrible Illness. I played against him numerous times he was a top goalscorer and a lovely man. Hope he can overcome this."
Dozens of Gasheads also showed their affection for a player who scored more than 50 goals for the club before reaching the heights of the Premier League.
Peter Saunders said: "Very difficult news, feel for Marcus and his family. Best wishes for the time ahead and for the positive campaign around awareness and support. I’m sure all fans and football people locally will join. Top player and top man."
Andy Lloyd added: "Genuinely shocked. Fabulous player. All his clubs and their supporters will feel this. Thoughts with all close to him.
Bill Bowrey said: "So sorry to hear this news. I saw his debut against Ipswich and he stood head and shoulders above the rest. Best wishes to you Marcus."
Marcus and his wife Louise want to raise money for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation and have set up a JustGiving page, donations can be made HERE.
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