ASTON VILLA legend Gordon Cowans has issued a moving statement confirming he has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, aged 61.
Originally from County Durham, Cowans joined Villa as a 16-year-old apprentice.
Aston Villa legend Gordon Cowans has revealed he has Alzheimer’s
He went on to become a key player in the club’s greatest-ever team, which lifted the European Cup in 1982.
The stylish midfielder won four major trophies including the old First Division Championship, the League Cup, and Uefa Super Cup as well as Villa’s historic European Cup triumph.
In total he made more than 400 appearances during three spells with Villa, before becoming a successful coach at the club’s Bodymoor training base for two decades.
Today, in a statement released via Villa support group Lions and Legends, Cowans, who won 10 England caps, broke the news to shocked fans.
The statement stated: “Dear friends and supporters.
“In an attempt to stop speculation and misinformation about my health, I have decided to release the following statement.
“After a series of recent tests, I have been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease.
“Medication has been prescribed, with some life changes, which I intend to commit to fully, the prognosis is a good one.
“I will be out and about for many years yet and see this as just another of life’s journeys.
“My match-day duties with Aston Villa will remain an important part of my future and I will continue to perform these, in support of my beloved club, for as long as my health allows.’
“With the love and support of family and close friends guaranteed, I am very optimistic and positive about the future.’
“With Love. Gordon (Sid) Cowans x”.
VILLA THROUGH AND THROUGH
Early onset Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that affects people under the age of 70.
It’s symptoms can include subtle mood changes, memory issues, general confusion and communication difficulties.
News of Cowans’ disease will be greeted with shock by Villa fans who still view “Sid” as a cult-hero and club legend for his vision and ability to pick a pass with both feet.
Those qualities earned him the 1979 PFA Young Player of the Year award with many Villa fans convinced he would have earned many more England caps had he not broken his leg at the peak of his powers.
Cowan picked up the horror injury during a pre-season friendly in Spain, which caused him to miss the entire 1983-84 season.
In 1985, Bari paid Villa £250,000 for Cowans who made almost 100 appearances over three successful seasons in Italian football.
Cowans returned to Villa Park in 1988 and helped Graham Taylor lead the club to runners’-up spot in the league before Taylor took on the England job.
The midfielder was sold to Blackburn for £200,000 in 1991 and helped Rovers win promotion to the new Premier League.
He then returned to his beloved Villa for a third time to clock up a total of 453 games for the club, scoring a total of 49 goals.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
