Former Ipswich Town midfielder and coach Kieron Dyer undergoes liver transplant
He's now out of hospital and recovering
Last updated 5th Oct 2023
Former England international and Ipswich Town midfielder Kieron Dyer has undergone a successful liver transplant and been discharged from hospital.
Dyer was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition, in 2019 and revealed last year he was awaiting a phone call from the donor team at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge to inform him a suitable organ had become available.
Three months ago he was admitted to hospital and last month he received the "life-changing" update 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. This morning I was discharged from hospital," Dyer said in a statement released on Thursday by Chesterfield, where the 44-year-old coaches.
"I know that the liver I have been given has come from someone of a similar age to myself and that is truly heartbreaking. It is the generosity and kindness of others that gives those in my position a chance, and I will ensure I make the most of it.
"The gratitude I feel for the position I find myself in has no bounds and I feel blessed to leave hospital feeling healthier than ever."
Dyer thanked his former club Ipswich and current employers Chesterfield for their support.
The midfielder played for the Tractor Boys as well as Newcastle, West Ham, QPR and Middlesbrough during a distinguished career that saw him win 33 caps for England.
After his retirement from playing in 2013, Dyer joined Ipswich's academy but left in 2022 and put his coaching career on hold while he waited for a transplant.
Paul Cook had worked with Dyer at Ipswich and offered him a role on Chesterfield's coaching staff towards the end of last season before recent months has seen him restricted to working from his hospital bed.
Dyer added: "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.
"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.
"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.
"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."