IAIN DOWIE is lucky to be alive after suffering a cardiac arrest during a spin class.
The former Premier League manager, 59, has thanked those who helped to save his life after the incident.
Dowie collapsed during an exercise session at his local gym and has admitted he is "very lucky" still to be alive.
He told BBC Sport: "I went to a spin class and don't remember too much more. I had a big cardiac arrest, unfortunately.
"Lots of people looked after me and did some great things in the gym, then the ambulance looked after me and I ended up in hospital for a good few days.
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"I've been brilliant since and the heart is in good shape. I've got a little thing, an ICD [implantable cardioverter defibrillator] fitted that I hope will keep me going for another 20 years.
"It was probably more terrifying for my wife watching, but my view is I'm one of those lads who looks forward and I've been very, very lucky.
"I was in the right place to have it and perhaps it just wasn't my time."
Dowie has had three spells as a manager in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, Charlton and Hull.
He has also taken charge of QPR, Oldham and Coventry during his coaching career.
However, he is now a director for Northern Irish champions Larne.
As a player, Dowie scored 14 goals in 57 caps for Northern Ireland alongside an impressive club career.
The striker scored 33 goals in 175 Premier League appearances for Southampton, West Ham and Palace.
