Newcastle United legend to return to game after ‘life-changing’ operation for incurable disease

Newcastle United legend Kieron Dyer has had a 'life-changing' liver transplant having been diagnosed with an incurable disease in October 2019. The 44-year-old Chesterfield coach was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition with no cure, in 2019. He was then confirmed to need a liver transplant in October 2021 by Ipswich Town, where he was working as an under-23 coach at the time.

Dyer, who made 250 appearances for Newcastle United between 1999 and 2007, has now confirmed that the liver transplant has taken place and was a success having been discharged from hospital on Thursday. In a statement, the former Magpies star said: "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.

"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.

"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."

Dyer joined the Chesterfield coaching team in an official capacity this summer after working as a consultant last season. The club shared Dyer's post-operation statement on Thursday. Chesterfield Town currently play in the National League and are top of the table with 11 wins from their opening 14 fixtures, three points ahead of second-placed Barnet.