Blakemore thanks fans for concern after serious illness

By michael beardmore sports editor

CHASETOWN boss Charlie Blakemore has sent out a big thank you to Scholars fans for their concerns and kind messages after he was rocked by a serious bout of illness.

Since leading the Scholars to promotion through the play-offs in May, Blakemore has been in and out of hospital with agonising stomach problems that baffled doctors.

Blakemore has since been diagnosed with eosinphilic gastroenteritis – a rare condition with only a few hundred recorded cases worldwide.

He is on medication for the illness, which can be long term, and has been told by doctors to take things easy – leaving assistant Andy Cox in charge of matters at Church Street.

Blakemore said: "At first the doctors thought it was a stomach ulcer, then gallstones – and, to be honest, I was scared I had stomach cancer.

"It took a long while to diagnose because it's so rare.

"It can be caused by a parasitic infection so the doctors think it might have developed when I was in India a few months ago, or it could just have happened naturally.

"I'm on steroids but you have to be weaned off those because of the side effects – and I have to see a food allergy expert because allergies are something that can cause the problem.

"I've been through the ringer but there's some light at the end of the tunnel.

"I know a lot of fans have been asking after me at the club and I would like to thank everybody for their messages of support – it's really helped me through this, although there's still a long way to go."

Blakemore is on three months' sick leave from his full-time job but, while following advice to take it easy, he does not intend to stay away from Church Street entirely.

He added: "We have kept the squad from last season and the lads have been in touch, asking how I am.

"It will give me such a lift when I see them in training.

"I will be leaving some stuff to Andy Cox but I still intend to stay involved – I just can't go running up and down the touchline any more!"

Vaughan Thomas is currently the only member of last season's promotion winning squad that will definitely not be with the Scholars next season – he has retired due to persistent knee problems.

Grant Ryan may remain with Chasetown, although he is believed to be in talks with Conference side Tamworth.

The Scholars have strengthened with the signing of defender Andy Hartlebury from Ludlow while midfielder Lee Parsons is back in full training after more than 18 months out through injury.

Chasetown open their pre-season programme on Tuesday night away at Pelsall Villa, kick off 7.45pm.