Former Manchester City captain Andy Morrison has been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome and has vowed to fight the condition
Former Manchester City captain Andy Morrison has bravely revealed he’s been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, pledging to battle the condition head-on.
The 55-year-old shared the devastating news on social media platform X through an emotional video explaining his diagnosis. The neurological disorder is triggered by a virus affecting the facial nerve and recovery can take up to 12 months.
Morrison featured 37 times for City following his transfer from Huddersfield Town in 1998. The Scottish defender was part of the squad that secured playoff victory to reach the old Division One in 1998-99, before clinching promotion to the Premier League as Division One runners-up the following season.
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Speaking in his video on X, Morrison said: “Just a quick update, I’ve had a lot of messages because stuff gets said and lost in translation, but nine days ago, I got diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt paralysis syndrome, which is basically a cranial nerve gets attacked in the brain, started by a virus.
“It can take six-to-eight weeks, it can over a year for recovery but there’s a 70 percent chance of full recovery…
“I’ll get through this, this is day nine, it’s probably been the toughest day yet.
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“Just to give an update, I’ll touch base every couple of weeks to let people know where I’m up to. Thanks for listening, cheers.”
Before arriving at City in 1998, Morrison clocked up 129 outings for Plymouth Argyle prior to securing a transfer from the Second Division to the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers.
Following his stint with Rovers, he spent two years at Blackpool before three campaigns with the Terriers ahead of his switch to Manchester.
Whilst there, he had three temporary moves to Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United, but it’s his period at City for which he’s most fondly remembered.
He was appointed a club ambassador in 2013 and selected as one of their greatest-ever captains in the club’s official magazine, only bettered by Roy Paul and Tony Brook.
Morrison enjoyed a fruitful managerial career in Wales with Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Cymru Premier.
Under his stewardship, they secured consecutive Welsh top-flight titles alongside Welsh cup glory. He went on to manage at international level where he spent two years in charge of Sri Lanka.
After his social media announcement, tributes and messages of encouragement flooded in from former players and clubs.
Connah’s Quay posted: “Andy, everyone at Connah’s Quay Nomads is always by your side. We wish you a speedy recovery, and hope you get well soon, Jock.”
Plymouth Argyle commented: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Jock. We’re all with you.”
The Tangerines responded: “Best wishes from everyone at Bloomfield Road, Andy.”
