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    ‘What else have I got?’ – Dean Windass, 56, reveals he has ADHD as well as dementia as he opens up on health battle

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    FORMER Premier League striker Dean Windass has been diagnosed with ADHD.Windass, 56, revealed earlier this year that he had dementia which was discovered following a brain scan last year.Windass went public with his dementia diagnosis earlier this yearCredit: RexWindass scored the goal that sent Hull City into the Premier League for the first time everCredit: GettyThe former Hull City forward, speaking to the BBC, opened up on his diagnosis after he launched his second autobiography. Windass, who has had problems with drinking and his mental health post-retirement, could not believe it at first when he was told about his condition.He said: “I thought, ‘God, what’s going on?'”I’ve got dementia, now I’ve got ADHD – and what else have I got?”Read more FootballHowever, Windass, who also played for Bradford City, Middlesbrough, and Aberdeen, thinks that him having ADHD adds up when looking back to his earlier years.He added: “Even at school I couldn’t process things. “I can read and write, but if I read a book and you asked me what that book was about, I wouldn’t know.”Windass’ dementia diagnosis earlier this year adds to the growing number of former footballers with the syndrome.Most read in SportKey members of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning side – Bobby and Jack Charlton, as well as Nobby Stiles – all passed away with dementia. Jeff Astle, the former England striker, died in 2002 with an inquest into his death calling it “industrial disease” due to repeated heading of the ball. Harry Maguire gets over Man Utd woes with trip to watch former club in Championship play-off clashWindass has since become a big advocate for ex-players to get their heads scanned, revealing that many had reached out to him worried that they could be struggling with the same thing.Windass said: “I’m trying to get as many footballers [as possible] to go for a scan.”What is ADHD?ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals focus, regulate their impulses, and manage their energy levelsSymptoms depend on the type; inattention causes challenges with focusing, organisation and time management, hyperactivity causes excessive energy or restlessness, and impulsivity causes a person to act without thinking or struggle to wait their turn.People can be predominately one type or a mix of the two and symptoms are varied and unique to individuals.While living with ADHD is challenging, people often find unique strengths within their condition, such as the ability to hyperfocus on something they find interesting, problem-solving skills and creativity.Windass was the hero in the 2008 Championship play-off final at Wembley, scoring the winner to send his hometown club Hull into the Premier League for the first time in the Tigers’ history. Windass said of the moment: “It was the most important goal of my career, probably not the best, but the most important. “It was a special day in my life, in everybody’s lives in Hull.” More

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      ‘I leave in tears’ – F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart heartbreakingly recalls moment his wife forgot who he was

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      FORMULA ONE legend Sir Jackie Stewart has bravely recalled the moment his wife forgot who he was.Helen Stewart, 84, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2014 after losing control of her car.Sir Jackie Stewart has opened up about his wife’s dementia battleCredit: sirjackiestewart/InstagramStewart revealed that Helen recently forgot who he wasCredit: BBCSir Jackie founded Race Against Dementia after his wife’s diagnosis in 2014Credit: Tom FarmerNobody was injured in the accident but it made her and the F1 icon realise that something was wrong.In the years following her diagnosis, Helen experienced behaviour and language changes.She is now also no longer able to walk.And recently, Helen was unable to recognise her husband.READ MORE IN F1Sir Jackie, 85, opened up about the moment during an interview with the BBC.He said: “Just the other day it was time for dinner, she’s getting up and I’m sitting close by, and she says, ‘Where’s Jackie?'”That’s the first time that’s happened and that’s only a few weeks ago.”A bad feeling came over me.”Most read in MotorsportStewart then described Helen’s mind as being “in a new world” as her condition worsens.He continued: “I know that Helen doesn’t mean it when she suddenly goes round and hits me, or the [specialist dementia] nurses.The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits”She can hit somebody quite often, she uses language that she’s never ever said in her life and it comes like that [clicks his fingers] and I say ‘darling, darling, don’t say that’.”She says ‘Why?’ And she’ll give me a row for doing that. That’s usually after 17:00.”Stewart has created an accessible home in Switzerland for Helen without steps or obstacles.He also employs nurses and specialist neurosurgeons.Following his wife’s dementia diagnosis, Sir Jackie founded Race Against Dementia – a charity that aims to accelerate global research in a bid to find a cure for the condition.Sir Jackie and Helen have been married since 1962Credit: AP:Associated Press More

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      ‘We don’t speak about it’ – Dean Windass and fiancee Kerry share emotional moment as they discuss his dementia diagnosis

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      FORMER Premier League striker Dean Windass has opened up about his dementia diagnosis.The 56-year-old’s diagnosis was announced by ex-Manchester United defender David May in January.Dean Windass has opened up about his dementia diagnosisCredit: ITVWindass appeared on Good Morning Britain with his fiancee, KerryCredit: ITVWith his permission, May revealed: “I only spoke to Dean Windass yesterday, ex-professional footballer. I asked Deano how he is.”He’s been diagnosed with Stage 2 dementia. He’s the same age as me and he’s worried sick of how it’s going to be in the future for him.”Windass later took to X to write: “Just got to keep smiling and trying to help people.”And now the ex-striker has opened up about his diagnosis for the first time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking live on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday morning, he recalled the moment he was diagnosed.He said: “They rang me up and said they had the results. I said, ‘Why can’t you tell me on the phone?'”They said they wanted to do it over a zoom, so I panicked then.”And then Kerry (his fiancee) set up the laptop because I’m not very good at things like that.Most read in Football”They said, right, this is your diagnosis, it’s very mild, there’s nothing to worry about, it could be five to 10 years that it could develop to bigger stages.”So it wasn’t the news that I wanted. I was scared, of course I was.”Dean Windass dances and mimes along to song in his car after dementia diagnosis revealed “I do forget things of course. I’m 56 now, of course I forget names and this, that and the other.”I don’t know if I’m overthinking subconsciously.”Windass’ fiancee, Kerry Kehoe, then admitted that she noticed no major changes in the former footballer before he underwent tests and a scan.She continued: “I never noticed anything prior to the scan and we didn’t really think too much about it.”And when we got the results we buried our heads in the sand, didn’t we?”Windass himself then chimed in to say: “We had a bit of a laugh and joke about it.”I said, well, it was a bad day but it was a good day because they found a brain! They found my brain! I was absolutely delighted!”We (him and Kerry) never really discussed it between each other.Kerry admitted they don’t like speaking about the diagnosisCredit: ITVThey also revealed how they made a joke about it all when Windass was first diagnosedCredit: Rex”When she does ask me I say I’m fine, I’m alright.”And the reason I didn’t come out and speak about it a year and a half ago is because my oldest son is a professional footballer, my youngest son was a professional footballer.”I didn’t want my mum to worry, I didn’t want my kids to worry.”Windass played in the Premier League for boyhood club Hull as well as Bradford and Middlesbrough.He’s best remembered for scoring perhaps the most famous goal in play-off history when he netted a stunning volley at Wembley in 2008 to send Hull up to the Prem.He initially retired in 2009 before making two comebacks.The ex-striker hung up his boots officially in 2012 after a spell with Scarborough Athletic.During the interview, Windass also admitted that he initially didn’t want to know if he had dementia.He said: “John (Stiles, former Leeds midfielder) asked me about a year and half ago (to get a scan) and I declined.”I said ‘No, I’m not really interested in finding out’, and he was talking about the football families and how many former footballers have died.”He said, ‘Look it might help a lot of people’, so I sort of became a guinea pig to go into this scan machine.”Read More on The SunWindass continued: “A lot of footballers won’t do it because they don’t want to know the outcome. I wish I hadn’t gone in now, but it’s happened.”Because then I wouldn’t have known would I? It would be better not to know.”Windass pictured during the famous 2008 play-off finalCredit: Getty More

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      Roy Keane hailed as an ‘absolute gentleman’ after visiting a superfan with dementia in hospital

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      FOOTIE great Roy Keane has been hailed an “absolute gentleman” after visiting a superfan with dementia in hospital.The former Manchester United captain agreed to meet ailing Pat O’Sullivan, 77, after a radio plea from his family.Roy Keane has been hailed an ‘absolute gentleman’ after visiting a superfan with dementia in hospitalCredit: GettyRoy spent 35 minutes at Mercy hospital in his home city of Cork with PatCredit: corksredfm / InstagramPat, who regards Roy as a “total legend”, wept as the two embraced.Irishman Roy, 53, spent 35 minutes at Mercy hospital in his home city of Cork with Pat, his wife Catherine, and sons Derek, 44, and Rob, 41.Rob said: “What an amazing thing for Roy to do. “My dad was absolutely delighted.”Read More on FootballThe footballer grew up close to the family home in Cork and he once shared a pint with Pat in the Temple Acre pub.Rob added: “My dad always talks about his friend Roy Keane. “He was so happy to meet him that he cried twice.“Roy put his arm around him and shared a joke with him. Most read in Football”He loved it.”‘As a player yeah but…’ – Luke Littler forces Roy Keane to agree on Bruno Fernandes but Man Utd legend still makes digRoy and Pat pose for a photoCredit: corksredfm / Instagram More

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      My pal said ‘sorry about your dad’s dementia’… that was news to me, reveals Dean Windass’ son Josh

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      JOSH WINDASS revealed he only found out about his dad’s dementia from a Sheffield Wednesday team-mate while they were in a coffee shop.The attacking midfielder, 31, was oblivious that Hull and Bradford legend Dean Windass had been diagnosed with the condition until Owls defender Max Lowe unwittingly broke the news.Josh Windass reckons his dad being ‘a bit of a nutter’ make him popularCredit: GettyDean Windass, a cult hero with fans, has been diagnosed with dementiaCredit: GettyAnd Windass told SunSport: “I found out in a coffee shop. Max said, ‘Sorry to hear about your dad’s dementia’ and I thought, ‘Oh! That’s news to me!’”His dad’s diagnosis at the age of 55 was publicly revealed by former Manchester United and Blackburn star David May during a TV interview, with Windass’ blessing.It sparked an outpouring of love and support for one of the biggest English football characters of the 1990s and 2000s, who has more recently been a Sky Sports pundit.Windass Jr said: “He’s well loved within the football community. He’s a bit of a nutter and people like that about people.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I don’t think he’s struggling too badly. I speak sometimes to my brother, who is keeping tabs on him. He’s sound.“When news like this comes out people always think the worst. But it’s not a severe grade at the minute and he’s not having too many problems.“The first thing I asked was if he still knew my name and he did, so I didn’t ask him too many questions.”Windass Jr is chasing a second promotion with Sheffield WednesdayCredit: GettyHis dad did a national TV interview this week where he raised concerns about the perils of heading a football, which has been proven to increase the risk of developing the disease, and fears for his own son’s safety.Most read in ChampionshipWindass Jr scored the winning goal at Wembley with his head to clinch Wednesday’s promotion from League One in the play-off final against Barnsley in May 2023.Former Premier League star Dean Windass suffering from dementia as ex-Man Utd ace reveals diagnosis live on BBC And the Owls ace himself is passionate about raising awareness on how to prevent suffering from such conditions in later life.Research shows adopting a healthy, balanced diet can reduce the risk of dementia.Windass has a strict diet plan and last season enlisted the help of Tyson Fury’s nutritionist, Sheffield-based Greg Marriott, to help his recovery from an injury.And he said: “You don’t want anyone getting dementia or any other illness.“You want everyone on the planet to be healthy in an ideal world so it’s important to raise awareness to help people prevent it.“Even things like eating healthily. It’s not just for making you look good at the beach, it’s great for your lifestyle and health.“It’s something me and my missus speak a lot about — curriculums in schools, people don’t get taught enough about diet or illness and stuff like that. There needs to be more focus.“A lot of the stuff that gets people excited are the things you probably shouldn’t do such as drinking alcohol and eating bad food.“There’s a time and a place for that but it’s important to raise your kids especially to drink water, eat fruit and vegetables.“When you’re 50, I’ve seen people who go on all these diets and things — but by that point it’s a bit late.“I’m on the side of the fence that you can have a good time but our bodies are more important. People don’t take care of themselves as much as they should.”Windass even believes that a good diet could help stem the increase of mental illness cases that have been highlighted in recent years. He said: “If you’re eating and drinking things that are going to damage your brain then you’re not going to be the happiest person in the world.“If you can do little things that can help make you feel a bit better, you’re going to be happier and healthier.”Windass certainly would have been feeling more jubilant after scoring his first goal since New Year’s Day by snatching the all-important equaliser at Norwich on Tuesday as Wednesday roared back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.It was a crucial three points, hauling Danny Rohl’s men back into the play-off picture — and moving them to within just five points of the top six.Windass is set to feature in Sunday’s Steel City derby when bitter rivals Sheffield United make the three-and-half-mile trek across town to Hillsborough.That Wembley goal was nice — but a League One promotion isn’t something I talk about too much as it’s not such a big achievement.”Josh WindassHe has always thought the Owls needed to still be in the mix by the final whistle of the derby clash to stand a chance.Windass has scored 11 goals this season with nine games left — and he said: “I felt at the start I needed to score 15 from midfield for the team to have a successful season.”One of those strikes was a 60-yard worldie against Derby — which will surely win the goal of the season gong at the EFL awards.It was so good that pundits Paul Merson and Clinton Morrison rated it better than the famous one David Beckham scored from the halfway line for Manchester United against Wimbledon in 1996.It sparked a January bid from Brazilian club Santos — which was rejected.But Windass said: “I scored a better one last year against Blackburn!”He has been at Hillsborough for five years and is firmly established as a cult hero for his play-off winner — but he would dearly love to see the Yorkshire club win promotion to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESWindass said: “I guess that Wembley goal was nice — but a League One promotion isn’t something I talk about too much because it’s not such a big achievement.”A play-off final winner this year certainly would be. More

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      ‘People are scared to death’ – David May admits he knows of ‘four or five’ ex-Man Utd stars who are battling dementia

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      MANCHESTER UNITED cult hero David May has admitted that football players are “scared to death of getting dementia” – himself included.Ex-defender May revealed that he personally knows of around “four or five” former United stars from the 70s and 80s with the disease.David May has admitted that professional football players are ‘scared to death of dementia’Credit: PAMay told The Telegraph: “Dementia is an industrial injury. “I speak to players now and they say, ‘Have you been tested?’ They say, ‘No I don’t want to find out’. “People are absolutely scared to death of finding out.”Former team-mate David Beckham was among those who sent a message of support at the group launch of Football Families for Justice last month.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe organisation is demanding urgent action to tackle the beautiful game’s dementia crisis.May added: “Three or four nights before the launch all I could think of is, ‘Oh my God, this will happen to me’. “All I can think if I go in the kitchen and forget something is, ‘Have I got dementia?’ Once that’s passed, I’m fine again. But just those thoughts go through your mind.“I’m 55 this year. I don’t want my kids in 10 years’ time having to look after me, not being able to speak to them and understand them. Most read in Football“I would wish they could come once a week, twice a week, see their dad, know that I’m well cared for.”May decided to become involved after speaking with John Stiles, the son of 1966 World Cup winner Nobby.England and Man Utd legend Stiles died from a neurodegenerative disease associated with head impacts that leads to dementia in October 2020.Former Premier League star Dean Windass suffering from dementia as ex-Man Utd ace reveals diagnosis live on BBC You look at the 80s and 90s – it was, ‘get on with it lads’ and that’s what we did. David MayDefenders are FIVE times more likely to be diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease, than someone who is not a professional player, according to research commissioned by the FA in 2017.The landmark study by the University of Glasgow also found no decline in that ratio through the eras.Professor Willie Stewart isolated the link last year to heading and head impacts, rather than any outside lifestyle factor.May said that players would take aerial blows “all the time” whether from heading, elbows or clashes of heads.Denis Law and Bobby Charlton both passed away after long battles with dementiaHe revealed: “There’s quite a few players involved in the group who played in the 1980s who talk about their ex team-mates – I’m not going to name names – who are struggling with dementia.“I remember playing for Burnley against Stoke – I got a bang on the head and I can’t even remember who did it.“You look at the 80s and 90s – it was, ‘get on with it lads’ and that’s what we did. It’s like getting punched off a professional boxer at 80 per cent.David May“You’d probably get two or three free hits before you got spoken to and you would pass it to your other centre-half. And they would do it back to you. It would be a free-for-all.“When I look at the amount of times I must have headed a ball in training, before a game, during a game, as a kid, you are talking thousands and thousands.“I would do 30-40 headers on a Friday – corners and free-kicks. They say that each heading of a ball whether from a goalkeeper or long free-kick is like getting punched off a professional boxer at 80 per cent.”May won seven major honours with Man Utd during the 90sCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMay, who started in Man Utd’s FA Cup final-winning teams of 1996 and 1999, has not called for a ban on heading.But the Treble winner wants current players to be fully informed of the risks and for sport to collectively step forward for its former heroes.May revealed that ex-Hull star Dean Windass was diagnosed with stage-two dementia at the age of 55 last month.With permission from Windass, May said: “I asked Deano how he is. “He’s the same age as me and he’s worried sick of how it’s going to be in the future for him.”An application to the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council to prescribe neurodegenerative disease in professional football as an industry-related disease has also just passed its fifth anniversary without resolution.Man Utd and Scotland icon Denis Law sadly lost his brave battle with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease last month.While Old Trafford and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton had dementia when he died from a fall at his care home, a 2023 inquest heard.The FA did introduce guidance in 2021 that recommended no more than 10 “high-force” headers in training per week. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe PFA is currently working with more than 200 families of former players with dementia.Tony Parkes and Allan Gilliver are two former stars currently suffering with it, while legends Chris Nicholl and Stan Bowles tragically passed away on the same day last year – February 24.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      ‘Can you imagine how lucky I was?’ says Van Nistelrooy as he opens up on being Denis Law’s neighbour in touching tribute

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Ruud van Nistelrooy paid an emotional tribute to Denis Law – who used to be his neighbour.Law died at the age of 84 on Friday following a brave battle with Alzheimer’s for the last four years.Ruud van Nistelrooy paid tribute to Manchester United legend Denis LawCredit: RexVan Nistelrooy opened up about his time being Law’s neighbour when he played at Man UtdCredit: YouTube / BBCTributes poured in across the sport for one of the greatest centre-forwards of all time, who amassed a staggering 237 goals in 404 appearances during an 11-year stint at United.Van Nistelrooy, 48, joined in with the tributes with some touching words about Law while taking charge of Leicester on Saturday.The Dutchman looked back at his time as a Man Utd player that saw him spending five years in Manchester after joining the club in 2001 from PSV Eindhoven.And the former Real Madrid star spoke about living right next to Law, who became quite the mentor for the then popular striker.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-United caretaker manager opened up after Leicester’s 2-0 loss to Fulham at King Power Stadium on Saturday about how much he got to learn from the “humble” Scot.Van Nistelrooy said: “Can you imagine how lucky I was? Being his neighbour.”I was lucky enough to have a cup of tea with him in his home, looking out the window into his back yard. “Time just passed by, talking about life, football, his career, my young career – being 25 or 26. It was just lovely.Most read in Football”The humble person, a guy with a statue outside of Old Trafford, he was the most humble person you’ll ever meet, with the biggest heart. It was absolutely amazing.Sir Alex Ferguson joins Man Utd players past and present to honour Denis Law at Old Trafford”I discussed some personal issues with him, ones that you have to face when you move abroad, playing for United in the public eye.”All aspects of being a footballer for United, to be able to get things off your chest and the sense of humour that he reacted with. It was really helpful.”Van Nistelrooy has previously discussed his time living next to Law during an interview with former team-mate Gary Neville on Sky Sports.And Neville revealed the rest of the team didn’t know about it or the meetings the Dutch star had with Law over tea and coffee.Van Nistelrooy said two years ago: “I went sometimes for a coffee. Talking about football, goals, strikers… It was fantastic.”It’s my neighbour, got to have a coffee with my neighbour. It was always good to have a chat with him.” More

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      Jimmy Calderwood dies aged 69 as tributes pour in for legendary ex-Aberdeen and Dunfermline manager

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      LEGENDARY Scottish football manager Jimmy Calderwood has passed away at the age of 69.The popular former Aberdeen and Dunfermline manager had been battling dementia.Jimmy Calderwood was hugely popular during his time in charge of DunfermlineCredit: Times Newspapers LtdHe led Aberdeen on a famous European run in 2007/08Credit: AFPCalderwood led Kilmarnock to league safetyCredit: PA:Press AssociationJimmy’s partner Yvonne was by his side when he passed awayCalderwood, who also bossed Kilmarnock and Ross County, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2015.He passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning with devoted partner Yvonne Buchanan and her two daughters by his side.Heartbroken Yvonne said: “What can I say? I’ve lost the love of my life to a very cruel disease.“We shared so many special moments together, especially with my children – Mark, Carla and Jolana – and we are all devastated.“We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported and loved him. Your kindness, care and unwavering support meant the world not only to him but to all of us.“I’d like to extend my gratitude to the staff at Abbotsford House in Bearsden, Glasgow.“We kindly ask for privacy during this incredibly sad time and thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.”Born in Glasgow, Jimmy Calderwood made his first team breakthrough as a player with Birmingham City.Most read in FootballHe would go on to make 145 league appearances for the Blues before heading to the Netherlands in 1979.Calderwood would go on to spend a significant period of his life in the country.A midfielder, he played for Sparta Rotterdam, Willem II, Roda JC and Heracles Almelo during a decade-long playing spell in the Netherlands.He remained in the country after retiring as a player and his first two managerial jobs were there.Calderwood was Willem II boss from 1996 until 1997 before spending two years in charge of NEC Nijmegen.A return to Scottish football materialised and in 1999 he was appointed manager of Dunfermline Athletic.He would go on to become one of our game’s most recognisable, entertaining and well liked characters.A hugely popular figure at East End Park, Calderwood would go on to enjoy a successful five-year stint with the Pars.Calderwood led Dunfermline to promotion to the SPL just months after his appointment.The club were comfortably safe in their first season back in the top tier before going on to secure a top six finish in the 2001/02 season.They would go on to finish in the top six again in each of the next two seasons, ending the 2003/04 campaign in fourth.That was a particularly successful season for Calderwood and Dunfermline, who also reached the Scottish Cup Final where they would ultimately lose to Celtic.That success also saw the Pars qualify for the Uefa Cup, but Calderwood wouldn’t be in charge for their foray into Europe – the club’s first in 35 years.That’s because he left the club to take over at Aberdeen ahead of the 2004/05 campaign.Jimmy Calderwood’s managerial careerWillem II 1996-97NEC Nijmegen 1997-99Dunfermline Athletic 1999-2004Aberdeen 2004-09Kilmarnock 2010Ross County 2011Go Ahead Eagles 2012De Graafschap 2014Dunfermline revealed the news of Calderwood’s passing and paid tribute to their former boss.Dunfermline CEO David Cook said: “On behalf of everyone at Dunfermline Athletic, we are all shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Jimmy Calderwood.”Jimmy constructed a fantastic squad of players in the early 2000s that had Pars fans on the edge of their seats with his bold attacking style of football.”He brought some magnificent moments to this club, none more so than helping us reach the Scottish Cup Final in 2004. The sea of black and white at Hampden was testament to the force he had created.”The top six finishes would continue for Calderwood at Aberdeen, who led the Dons to third spot in 2006/07.That gave them a place in the Uefa Cup the following campaign and it proved to be a memorable one for Aberdeen.Reaching the group stage, the Dons progressed from a group that contained Atletico Madrid, Panathinaikos, Copenhagen and Lokomotiv Moscow.That set up a round of 32 clash with the German giants Bayern Munich.On a famous night at Pittodrie, the Dons held Bayern to a 2-2 draw in front of a raucous, sell-out crowd.They’d ultimately fall to defeat in Germany.Calderwood signed a contract extension later that month but just over a year later he departed the role, despite qualifying for European competition once again.In a statement, Aberdeen said: “Everyone at Aberdeen FC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former manager Jimmy Calderwood.”The thoughts of all at the club are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”He would return to management the following year, taking over at Kilmarnock in January 2010.Calderwood would galvanise a struggling Killie side and would secure their top division status on the last day of the season.After leaving Killie that summer, he had another brief stint the following year, this time at Ross County, then in the second tier.Once again, safety was the objective and an objective Calderwood met.He also enjoyed trophy success with the Staggies who won the Challenge Cup under his leadership.’The manager Rangers almost had’By DAVID LEGGATJIMMY CALDERWOOD was the manager Rangers almost had.In fact he was absolutely convinced he would be the man to take over from Alex McLeish in the summer of 2006.That belief stemmed from a chat he told me he’d had with then Rangers owner Sir David Murray as it became clear big Eck’s trophy-laden spell was coming to an end.Jimmy and I became pals more than half a century ago when he had just broken into the Birmingham City side at the same time that I arrived in the city to become chief football writer of the biggest-selling Saturday sports paper in Britain, the Sports Argus.We quickly became good pals as our backgrounds were the same. Working class guys from Glasgow who loved football and supported Rangers.That friendship endured and it was why he invited me to stay over in his family home in Aberdeen after his side had beaten McLeish’s Rangers at Pittodrie on a frozen night.It was in his living room that he revealed to me the chat he had had with Murray which led him to believe he would be the man to succeed McLeish.Read David Leggat’s tribute to his lifelong friend Jimmy Calderwood in full.Calderwood returned to the Netherlands as Go Ahead Eagles boss in 2012 before becoming boss at De Graafschap in 2014, in what would be his final managerial role.He would leave the club less than a month after being appointed in January after being furious at the decision to sell a couple of key players.Just over three years later, in August 2017, Calderwood revealed the heartbreaking news that he was battling dementia.The legendary boss said he’d been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s two years previously and had been receiving treatment.Speaking at the time, he said: “If, by making this public I can help others talk more openly about dementia, then that will be something positive.”That is why I have spoken with Alzheimer Scotland and invited them along to join me today.”I haven’t been comfortable with keeping this as a secret and when I recently heard that an old team mate of mine in Holland is also living with Alzheimer’s Disease, it prompted me to go public.”Right now I am still fine, except for being a bit forgetful with some names but I am determined to continue enjoying my life.”Four years later, Calderwood’s son Scott – who worked alongside his father in football – delivered a harrowing update and revealed that Jimmy no longer knew who he was.And now comes the devastating news that Jimmy Calderwood has passed away, just over seven years on from revealing his health battle.Since the news broke, tributes have flooded in to one of Scottish football’s most beloved characters.Jamie Langfield, who was Aberdeen goalkeeper under Calderwood, posted a heartfelt tribute to his former boss.He said: “Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of Jimmy Calderwood, he was the main reason I went on to have the career I did, he took a chance on me when no one else would, we had our ups and downs but he was so positive with me and help me in so many ways. What a great man.”Another ex-Dons star, Richard Foster, said: “What a sad day. Jimmy had such a profound impact on my life – professionally and personally.”We didn’t always see eye to eye and had some cracking arguments over the years but he gave me some of the best experiences of my career and I owe him so much.”One thing is for sure, he will be remembered throughout the game. A Scottish football giant.”Kilmarnock added: “Everyone at Kilmarnock Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Jimmy Calderwood. Our thoughts are with Jimmy’s family and friends at this time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Scottish FA said: “We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy Calderwood after his passing today.”Jimmy Calderwood played for Birmingham CityCredit: GettyHe won the Challenge Cup with Ross CountyCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowJimmy Calderwood revealed his health battle in 2017Credit: Keith Campbell – The Sun GlasgowHe will be remembered as one of Scottish football’s most popular charactersCredit: Les Gallagher – The Sun GlasgowKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Denis Law’s health battle with dementia left Man Utd icon losing memory & leaning on ‘strong’ wife before death at 84

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      MANCHESTER United legend Denis Law faced a tough battle with Alzheimer’s and dementia in the years before his death on Friday, aged 84.Denis revealed his dementia diagnosis in August 2021 and remained committed to bringing more awareness to the disease until his death.Denis Law has died aged 84Credit: Rex FeaturesDenis Law with his wife Diana at the HMV Football Extravaganza at The Park Lane HiltonCredit: GettyDenis found his fame playing for Manchester United and ScotlandHe and his wife Diana spoke out about the challenges of caring for a partner with dementia as part of an Alzheimer’s Society campaign in March 2023.Their moving joint testimony read: “When you get married, you never imagine that decades after making those vows of ‘in sickness and in health’ that you will end up testing them to the limits with dementia.“We tackle everything together. But living with dementia means Diana has to take responsibility a bit more now although we still come as a team of course. It’s a change for both of us.“It goes to show that dementia can affect anyone, no matter who you are. READ MORE ON DENIS”I’m extremely lucky to have enjoyed such an amazing career in football. “Not many people have had the experiences I have had – including winning the World Cup! I have been shown such love from the public.”Denis was open about his diagnosis from the beginning, and recognised that his remaining days would be “hard, demanding, painful and ever changing”.He said at the time: “This will not be an easy journey especially for the people who love you the most.Most read in Football”I recognise how my brain is deteriorating and how my memory evades me when I don’t want it to and how this causes me distress in situations that are beyond my control.”I do understand what is happening and that is why I want to address my situation now whilst I am able, because I know there will be days when I don’t understand and I hate the thought of that right now.”Former Man Utd footballer Denis Law looks back on his incredible career in Sky doc The Law Man Denis joined a string of other footballers diagnosed with the degenerative brain disease, including his former United teammate Sir Bobby Charlton.A statement from the Law family on Friday night read: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. “He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.””We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his well-being and care, past and much more recently. Denis Law and Sir Rod Stewart in 1998Credit: LWTLaw was the last surviving member of the Red Devils’ holy trinityCredit: Getty”We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.”Law started his career at Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and played for Torino in Italy.But it was at Old Trafford from 1962-73 where he made his name scoring 237 goals in 404 games.He won two titles with United and the FA Cup and helped them to the 1968 European Cup Final where they beat Benfica although missed out on the game due to injury.Sir Bobby Charlton, Law and George Best were integral as the Red Devils become the first English side to win the European Cup.Denis’s old club issued a statement after his death that said: “Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84. “With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.”The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. “Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”The recognition of a link between football and dementia has been growing ever since the death of West Brom striker Jeff Astle in 2002.After his death, it was confirmed that he was the first British footballer known to have died as a result of repeatedly heading a football.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe inquest into his death therefore recorded a verdict of “death by industrial disease”.A study in 2019 found that professional footballers are three-and-a-half times more likely to die from dementia than people of the same age range in the general population.He was diagnosed with dementia a year after his United teammate Sir Bobby Charlton (left)Credit: GettyDenis Law, 1940-2025Credit: X/ManUtd More