Former Tranmere midfielder Jay Spearing on recent health scare

The Wallsey-born footballer joined his hometown club in August 2020 signing a two year deal at Prenton Park.

He was named Player of the Season for the 2020–2021 season and played 75 times for Rovers before he was released at the end of the 2021–22.

The 34-year-old, who began his career at Liverpool also had stints at Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool and Bolton. 

He is now back at Anfield as a player-coach in the Reds’ Under-21 set-up and has featured in the Papa Johns Trophy this season.

Spearing says his body was at risk of “shutting down” and he has now been diagnosed with a condition called Addison’s disease.

The midfielder says things could have "turned out very differently" and has urged people to get checked out if they notice changes in their bodies.

He wrote on his Instagram page: "My first Christmas off in 17 years was a little different than I expected.

“After blood tests with the club, on Xmas Eve I was told I needed to attend hospital urgently before my body starting shutting down. I was potentially hours/days away from going into something called adrenal crisis.

"After more observations and tests were carried out they diagnosed me with Addison's Disease. It’s taken me a minute to get my head around it, but I am thankful that now it’s been diagnosed it can be controlled and managed through hormone replacement treatment, and it’s not something that I will allow to effect or dictate my life.

"Thinking back, I have been ignoring symptoms and changes in my body for over a year, without it being checked.”

He added: "Moral of the story - don’t ignore changes in your body. No matter how small, get them checked out!"

Spearing’s post was very quickly flooded with touching messages from both current and former colleagues. 

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was among those to have issued his well-wishes. Meanwhile, ex-Reds defender Jose Enrique also sent a message to the veteran midfielder. He wrote: “Glad you are ok amigo. Much love.”