Former clubs and team-mates of Jackie McNamara have sent their best wishes after the former York City manager fell seriously ill near his home in the city.
The 46-year-old is understood to have been admitted to hospital for brain surgery.
A post on McNamara’s personal Twitter account read: “This is Jackie’s daughter. Thank you all for your kind words and support. My dad is getting the best care possible, as you all can understand this is difficult for us as a family and request privacy at this time.”
Reports say he is being treated in Hull, having first been taken to hospital in York after collapsing near his home in the city on Saturday.
This evening York City FC added their best wishes, tweeting:
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On behalf of everyone at York City Football Club we wish former manager Jackie McNamara a speedy recovery.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
‘Positive thoughts for a full recovery’
When Gary Mills took over as manager in October 2016, McNamara took on the role of chief executive at the club.
He left that role in March 2018.
Although he was never a popular figure at Bootham Crescent, fans rallied round on hearing the news.
Whatever was said when he was with #ycfc means nothing now. I've got nothing but positive thoughts for a full recovery https://t.co/KhNpYY3j6F
— Paul Nicholson (@pablo100) February 10, 2020
On behalf of everyone at York City Football Club we wish former Manager Jackie McNamara a speedy recovery.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/6x1QyNpU4X
— York City FC (@YorkCityFC) February 10, 2020
John Hartson, his former Celtic team-mate, stated that McNamara had collapsed on Saturday with a “bleed on the brain”.
Hartson wrote on Twitter: “Worried sick for my former teammate and great friend Jackie McNamara who collapsed at home Saturday with a bleed on the brain. My thoughts are with his wife Samantha and the children.”
The Scottish champions wrote on Twitter: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at #CelticFC are with Jackie and his family.”
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton added: “Thoughts and prayers for Jackie and Sam and the family.”
A statement on the Scotland National Team Twitter account read: “The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with former Scotland player Jackie McNamara and his family.”
Players’ agent
Other former clubs including Aberdeen, Wolves and Dundee United also sent their best wishes.
The former Dundee United, Partick Thistle and York manager has been working as a players’ agent as well as advising Dunfermline through his sports management firm.
McNamara recently opened a sports bar in Fuengirola, Spain, with Simon Donnelly, his former Celtic team-mate and managerial assistant and close friend.
His father, Jackie McNamara Snr, played for Hibernian and Celtic.