Former England footballer discharged from hospital following liver transplant

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The ex-England international has been released from hospital (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
The ex-England international has been released from hospital (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Former England star Kieron Dyer has been discharged from hospital following a successful liver transplant.

Dyer, now a coach with Chesterfield was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition, in 2019 and had been waiting a suitable organ to undergo a transplant.

Three months ago, he was admitted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, and last month received the "life-changing" news that a new liver was available.

"A fortnight ago came the life-changing news that I was to be the recipient of a new liver, and would swiftly undergo a transplant," Dyer stated in a press release issued by Chesterfield on Thursday. "This morning I was discharged from hospital."

Dyer expressed his gratitude towards the donor, acknowledging the heartbreaking reality that the liver came from someone of a similar age to himself. He also thanked his former club Ipswich and current employers Chesterfield for their support during this challenging time.

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During his distinguished career, Dyer played for Ipswich, Newcastle, West Ham, QPR and Middlesbrough, earning 33 caps for England. Following his retirement from playing in 2013, Dyer joined the academy at Ipswich but departed in 2022, putting his coaching career on hold as he awaited a transplant.

Paul Cook, who had previously worked with Dyer at Ipswich, extended an offer for him to join Chesterfield's coaching staff towards the end of the previous season. However, recent months have seen Dyer confined to working from his hospital bed.

Dyer stated: "Strangely, football has been even more important to me during this time. I have watched more games from my hospital bed in the last three months than in any other period of my life."

He continued: "I want to thank my hometown club Ipswich Town who have been in regular contact with me, and also Chesterfield, where I am on the coaching staff after joining towards the end of last season."

Dyer expressed particular gratitude towards Cook, saying: "A particular thank you to the manager Paul Cook, who has given me the ability to contribute, even from hospital, where I've watched every fixture as the lads have made their way to the top of the National League table."

Looking forward, Dyer said: "In due course I look forward to returning to coaching and media work, but I respectfully ask for privacy for myself and my family at this time as I strive to make what I hope will be a full recovery."

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.You can report any errors to [email protected]

Kit Mann

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