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Razor Ruddock's wife says he's 'on the right track' after he 'died' on operating table during emergency heart surgery and insists he's not drinking 'nearly as much' after years of heavy boozing

Related Topics: Neil Ruddock, Donovan Ruddock

The wife of Neil 'Razor' Ruddock has said her husband is 'on the right track' after he 'died' on operating table during emergency heart surgery.

The retired defender, 52, had a resting rate of 130 beats per minute – instead of 60 or 70 - and required a procedure known as a 'cardioversion' to fix the issue before having a pacemaker fitted.

Ruddock, who played for Premier League clubs including Liverpool, West Ham and Tottenham, admitted the problem arose after years of heavy drinking, but insists the surgery saved his life.

Appearing on Good Morning Britain today, Leah Newman, 38, told how the couple have adapted their lifestyle to aid Neil's recovery, eating healthy organic fruits and vegetables and cutting back massively on Neil's alcohol intake.