York paramedics and doctors saved my life, says former York City manager

Former York City manager Jackie McNamara has thanked the York health professionals who saved his life.

As we reported last month, Jackie was rushed to hospital after falling seriously ill near his home in the city.

The 46-year-old is understood to have suffered a bleed on the brain which required surgery.

At the time he was said to be in a critical but stable condition.

Now though he is out of hospital and back home. And in a heartfelt message posted this evening (Sunday, 1 March) the former Scottish international footballer thanked everyone for their support.

‘Overwhelmed by support’

Writing on Twitter, Jackie said he was on the road to recovery. He wrote:

• I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support for me and my family, from the football community and supporters, during what has been an extremely worrying and emotional time.

  I would like to personally thank the paramedics, York Hospital and Hull Royal Infirmary who have been phenomenal, if it wasn’t for these services I wouldn’t be here today.

  It will be a slow and steady process but I’m on the road to recovery.

  I am back home with my family and feel very grateful.

Earlier his daughter Erin posted: “Thank you for the continued support for my dad, the past week has been so overwhelming for us as a family.

“He is making progress but still has a long road to recovery. We are so thankful for all the care he’s received and remain positive. “

Been through the mill

Jackie’s close friend and former Celtic team-mate Simon Donnelly said he was discharged from hospital on Friday.

“He has obviously been through the mill in the last three weeks since everything happened,” Simon told BBC Radio Scotland.

“But they have now deemed him fit enough to go home and I believe he had a Chinese takeaway last night.”

McNamara is a former Scottish international who was appointed York City manager by chairman Jason McGill in November 2015.

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.