The heart of the matter

Dario's recent heart surgery is the latest in a long line of heart related problems suffered by the day-to-day management of one of the most stressful occupations around.

The last thing I intend to do is speculate on this sensitive matter so soon after Dario went to hospital, it is yet unknown why Dario needed the surgery, but the stress that managers are put through is reaching highly dangerous levels.

According to club chairman John Bowler, Dario knew a long time in advance

that he had a problem, and that it was a routine operation, by no means an emergency.

The stresses of coaching a football team have been highlighted since Dario's good friend Gerard Houllier was taken ill in October 11th during a Premiership match against Leeds United. The Frenchman underwent an eleven-hour life saving operation, and was out of action for five months. Auxerre coach and good friend Guy Roux was also absent from his job for a long time with similar heart related problems.

Graeme Souness, also when manager of Liverpool, was the subject of a triple heart bypass operation in 1992 prior to the FA Cup final. .

These managers have recovered fully and have since returned to top-flight management. Tord Grip, Joe Kinnear and Barry Fry also had heart scares in recent years, and all three have returned to management.

The most tragic story is of Jock Stein, the legendary Celtic and Scotland manager who collapsed in 1985 and died of a heart attack during the World Cup qualifying match for Mexico '86 against Wales in Cardiff.

It is not only managers who have suffered heart problems. There is the sad story of Marc-Vivien Foe, who collapsed only four months ago in the Confederations Cup in France is a sombre reminder of the stresses that go with being a professional football player.

The much loved Dynamo Kiev and Ukrainian coach Valery Lobanovsky was a national hero, but in May last year suffered a fatal stroke, aged 63, after serving as Dynamo, Soviet Union and Ukraine manager in a period of over 25 years. He had three spells at Dynamo winning countless titles, guided the Soviets to the runners up spot in the 1988 European Championships and unearthed Andriy Shevchenko. He was awarded the country's highest honour and had a state funeral.

Such sad stories show the high pressure that football managers and players alike are put under in this ultra-demanding job.

Fortunately, we have been assured that Dario will be back at Gresty Road in about six weeks' time following his surgery. The countless messages of goodwill from football fans and managers across the country show how well respected Dario Gradi is in British football.

Dario has always been complimented by his friends and former players as to his excellent physical nature and the importance he puts on keeping himself fit. The biggest problem will be trying to keep him away from Reaseheath and Gresty Road according to Mr. Bowler!

Heres to a speedy and healthy recovery for this great man. All the best Dario, we're all right behind you.