David Provan

David Provan (born 8 May 1956) is a Scottish former footballer. He played for the Kilmarnock and Celtic Football Clubs. He retired in 1987 after he began to suffer from myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).

Illness
After a bout of what appeared to be influenza in 1986, Provan never recovered, and was soon diagnosed with postviral fatigue syndrome and advised by his doctors to rest. His symptoms included muscle pain, chronic fatigue, depression, post-exertional malaise, and temperature sensitivity. Despite several attempts at rehabilitation, he eventually decided in the summer of 1987 to retire from playing football.

He later returned to work in the media as a pundit and co-commentator for Sky Sports. He has also written for the Scottish edition of News of the World, and currently writes for The Sun. He is still ill with ME, but although he can no longer run or play football, he is now able to go for walks and play golf.

Articles and interviews

 * 13 Sep 2010, ME ruins lives... I’m glad it’s finally being recognised,The Scottish Sun

Learn more

 * Wikipedia - David Provan