A MUCH-LOVED football stalwart who has been living with heart disease for the past eight years has been forced to step away from coaching after doctors told him there is nothing more they can do to help with his condition.
Following a recent hospitalisation, Port Glasgow Boys Club chairman Jimmy Boyland has been forced to stop all strenuous activity, including football, bringing an end to a coaching career spanning almost 50 years.
The popular football figure says he is 'devastated' to be stepping away but has been heartened by the outpouring of support he has received.
The 71-year-old said: "The football is a big part of my life.
"I'm upset about it.
"I've treated all those kids as my own weans.
"I can't breathe and can only walk a few steps.
"I have chronic heart disease and the doctors say there is nothing they can do unless they give me a new heart and I'm too old for that.
"I've been told I've not to do anything strenuous and football is the biggest part of that."
Jimmy received the news last month after spending five days in hospital for monitoring and tests.
He said: "My pacemaker is not working properly, so the doctors tweaked it, but it only helped for a couple of weeks before things went back to the way they were.
"I was told, 'You can see different doctors, but they will all say the same. You're finished. There is nothing we can do.'
"I'm getting medication but it's not going to get any better.
Other news
Kilmacolm pensioner stops paying £18,000 fee to 'utter nightmare' property manager
Greenock centre’s Macmillan coffee mornings raise up to £40,000 in 15 years
Former St Columba's pupil makes debut on Strictly Come Dancing
"I've had spells in my bed, then I get up and walk around and then go back to my bed.
"I have no energy and there are times I am struggling to breathe.
"I can't go out without support from someone.
"If I go shopping, I have to hold onto the trolley.
"I'm devastated."
Jimmy has dedicated 47 years to football coaching, becoming a central figure at Port Glasgow Boys Club.
He has also been involved in the Friday night 'midnight leagues' for 40 years and at Parklea on Saturday mornings.
He lives in Port Glasgow with his wife, Joan. The couple have a daughter, Gemma, 32, a son, James, 27, and two granddaughters, Evie and Amelia.
Jimmy's contributions to local football have seen him honoured numerous times over the years.
In 2021, the Scottish Football Association invited him to Hampden Park to receive an outstanding achievement award and, most recently, he received a lifetime achievement award at the Inverclyde Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
Despite his condition stopping him from coaching, Jimmy's wife Joan still drives him to Parklea on Saturday mornings so he can watch the games.
He said: "I coached the grandparents, the parents and now their grandchildren.
"They all know me and their parents trust me to look after them."
Share