Ipswich Town legend and Yeovil Town coach Marcus Stewart diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease

Ipswich Town legend Marcus Stewart has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The 49-year-old, who spent two years at Portman Road from 2000 to 2002, played a key role in Ipswich's promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 1999/2000 season.

The Tractor Boys defeated Barnsley 4-2 at the old Wembley Stadium in the play-off final, with Stewart among the goals, and he would go on to score 19 times the following season as Ipswich finished fifth in their first season back in the top flight.

In a statement via the PFA, Stewart said: "I would like to take the opportunity to thank those closest to me for their unwavering support since my recent diagnosis.

"As I take the time to adjust, my intention is to continue to enjoy my work in football and spend time with my family.

"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."

A JustGiving page has been set up by Stewart, and his wife Louise, with all proceeds going to the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation. Donate here

A statement on the Ipswich Town website and social media channels read: "The thoughts of everyone at Ipswich Town are with Marcus and his family at this time, and the Club will do everything it can to support both Marcus and those closest to him moving forward."

Stewart made more than 650 appearances during his playing career which spanned 20 years, before moving into coaching and management, and is currently head of player development at Yeovil Town.