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    Joe Kinnear dead at 77: Iconic former Wimbledon and Newcastle manager passes away after long battle with dementia

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    EX-PREMIER LEAGUE manager Joe Kinnear has died at the age of 77 following a battle with dementia.A statement from Kinnear’s family announced the sad news on Sunday evening.Joe Kinnear has passed away at the age of 77Credit: PA:Press AssociationKinnear won five trophies as a player with TottenhamCredit: Times Newspapers LtdIt said: “We are sad to announce that Joe passed away peacefully this afternoon surrounded by his family.””Joe, who was 77, had been suffering from dementia having been diagnosed in 2015. “He will be remembered fondly by many – both as a player and a manager. “His Wimbledon team finishing sixth in the 1993-94 Premier League was a phenomenal achievement.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKinnear became a legend playing for Tottenham between 1965 and 1975, where he made 258 appearances in all competitions.His trophy cabinet with Spurs includes the 1967 FA Cup, the 1972 Uefa Cup and the 1971 and 1973 League Cups as well as a shared 1967 Charity Shield.After leaving Spurs he joined Brighton, where he remained for one season. Kinnear, who played twice for the Ireland national team, hung up his boots in 1977 and moved into management where he had a stunning journeyman career. Most read in FootballJoe Kinnear’s football career

    JOE KINNEAR played for Tottenham between 1965-1975.
    He won the FA Cup, Uefa Cup and two League Cups in the glittering spell before a 12-month stint at Brighton.
    During his playing days he earned 26 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
    After retiring, he got his first coaching break as assistant manager in Dubai with Al-Shabab in 1983.
    Managerial spells at India and Nepal followed.
    He returned to England in 1989 when he was appointed caretaker manager of Doncaster Rovers.
    Kinnear’s longest manager stint came at Wimbledon in the days of the ‘Crazy Gang’ between 1992-1999.
    The Irishman led Wimbledon to one of their most successful seasons ever in 1997 when they reached the semi-finals of both domestic cups.
    He went on to manager Luton and Nottingham Forest before a controversial spell at Newcastle in 2008/09.
    Kinnear returned to the Toon as Director of Football in 2013/14 – his final year in football.

    He started out his managerial career with the India national team in 1983, managing 13 games.The Irishman then moved to Nepal in 1987 and guided them to being runners up in the South Asian games in the same year.Vinnie Jones and Gazza reunited 30 years on from THAT grab A move into club management would follow for him on an interim basis with Doncaster in 1989.He took charge of Wimbledon’s youth team later that year before taking the senior team job in 1992.His appointment proved to be a masterstroke as he took the Wimbledon “crazy gang” up to sixth in the 1993/94 Premier League season.The achievement earned him the 1994 Manager of the Year award and was voted manager of the month on three occasions.Kinnear had two spells at NewcastleCredit: PA:Press AssociationKinnear also managed Luton and Nottingham Forest but was best known for his time at WimbledonCredit: Getty Images – GettyWimbledon finished ninth in the following season and he would remain at the club as boss until 1999.Kinnear took up the reigns at Luton next, where he guided the team to promotion from what was then the second division.After leaving the Hatters he enjoyed managerial stints at Nottingham Forest in 2004 and Newcastle between 2008 and 2009.He would return to the Magpies as director of football in 2013.His two stints with Newcastle were marred by controversy.In 2008 Kinnear launched an explosive rant against journalists in which he swore 50 times in the first five minutes of the interview.His second spell on Tyneside saw him give an infamous interview on talkSPORT where he mispronounced a number of stars’ names.Kinnear resigned from his post at the in 2014.In 2021 it was announced that Kinnear had been living with dementia since 2015.Tributes poured in for Kinnear following the announcement. John Hartson, who Kinnear famously claimed he had signed on a free when he in fact had been a £7.5million buy for Toon, said: “Sad news hearing that my ex boss Joe Kinnear has passed away.. “My thoughts are with Joe’s wife Bonnie and the Kinnear family .. RIP Gaffer.”A Wimbledon statement said: “Everyone connected with Wimbledon was deeply saddened to hear the news that our former manager, Joe Kinnear, has passed away.”A true legend of the club, Joe gave us some amazing memories that we treasure. Our deepest condolences go to his family at this difficult time 🕊️”Crazy gang star Jason Euell said: “GAFFER 😔… Thank you for giving me my professional debut and playing a part in who I am today and who I was a player. Gone but never forgotten. Joe Kinnear – RIP.”Luton said: “We are saddened to learn that our former manager Joe Kinnear has passed away at the age of 77. Our thoughts are with Joe’s friends and family at this time, Rest in Peace 🧡.”Lord Alan Sugar added: “Sad news Joe Kinnear has passed away R.I.P.”An EFL statement said: “The EFL is saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Kinnear, a man who provided so many memories as a player and a manager.”Newcastle said: “Newcastle United is saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Kinnear at the age of 77. Joe worked at the club as both manager and director of football.”The thoughts of everyone at #NUFC are with Joe’s family and friends at this difficult time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer club Tottenham said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, Joe Kinnear. The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”The official FA Cup account tweeted: “We’re saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Kinnear, who was part of the historic side to win the FA Cup in 1967 with Tottenham Hotspur. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time.” More

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      Why don’t England players have names on the back of their shirts against Belgium?  

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      THE names of England players’ shirts will disappear as they return after half time against Belgium on Tuesday night.The Three Lions will play without names on their shirts during the second half of the fixture at Wembley Stadium. England players will NOT have their names on shirts in the second half against BelgiumEngland boss Gareth Southgate will be hoping to bounce back against the Red Devils after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday. Why are England shirts nameless against Belgium?The match has been dedicated to Alzheimer’s Society International as a part of England’s Football official charity partnership.With memory loss being the most common symptom associated with Alzheimer’s, the removal of players shirts will draw attention to how people with dementia lose their memory. The nameless shirts were originally shown at the first Alzheimer’s Society international in 2022, where England secured a win against Switzerland. This is being repeated at the match against Belgium to recognise that football should be unforgettable. After the match, the shirts will be donated by the England squad and auctioned to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society research into early diagnosis. What’s been said?Alzheimer’s Society CEO, Katy Lee said: “We hope this striking gesture with the players’ shirts will once again get fans across the country talking, and thinking about the signs and symptoms of dementia.“By using football to shine a spotlight and increase awareness of dementia symptoms, we hope to not only encourage fans to donate towards our early diagnosis research, but also to support their loved ones just as much as they support their football team.”Most read in FootballEngland kit rowThe new England kit has been at the centre of controversy after manufacturer Nike changed the colour of the St George’s Flag on the back of the collar.Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer – as well as a host of England legends – slammed the decision.Nike later apologised, stating “it was never our intention to offend”.The American company and The Football Association, who were also slammed for the £124.99 price tag, also stated there are no plans to change the kit ahead of Euro 2024. More

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      Bobby Charlton’s health battle after Man Utd legend’s dementia diagnosis – the same illness that claimed brother Jack

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      SIR Bobby Charlton fought a health battle after being diagnosed with dementia, the same illness that claimed his brother Jack.The England and Manchester United football legend, who has died aged 86, had been suffering for several years.
      Sir Bobby Charlton fought a health battle after being diagnosed with dementiaCredit: Paul Edwards – The Sun
      Bobby’s brother Jack (M) died of dementia in July 2020, World Cup winner Nobby Stiles (L) died that OctoberCredit: Getty
      When Jack died aged 85 in July 2020, Bobby himself was in ill health and unable to attend the funeral.
      By November of that year, Bobby’s wife Lady Norma Charlton confirmed his dementia diagnoses.
      The couple hoped going public “could help” others affected.
      Bobby’s diagnosis reignited debate within the game about the link between heading the ball and brain disease.
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      Charlton was one of several World Cup winners to be diagnosed with dementia, including Jack.
      Ray Wilson was the first to succumb to dementia in July 2018 and Martin Peters died of the disease a year later.
      Nobby Stiles, famed for dancing with the Jules Rimet Trophy in one hand and his dentures in the other, died in October 2020 of dementia.
      Sir Geoff Hurst, the only surviving member of the World Cup winning team, said in 2020: “It’s just been a nightmare year.”
      Most read in Football
      Dementia is an umbrella term that covers a lot of different conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.
      Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia, is responsible for around two thirds of the cases of dementia in the UK, which is why people sometimes get confused. 
      Both diseases affect millions of people all over the world and are a leading cause of death globally.
      There are around 944,000 people with dementia in the UK and this number is expected to increase, Alzheimer’s Research UK said in May. More

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      Five of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning heroes ended up with dementia, football has no choice but to change

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      THERE are injuries and then there are injuries without healing. The worst by far is dementia.For many years, football and other sports have led to plenty of people ending up as mind-destroyed shells.
      Sir Bobby Charlton is one of six 1966 World Cup winners to have had dementiaCredit: PA
      Now, at last, measures are being introduced to ease a mental state that is often caused by repeatedly heading a ball.
      When Bobby Charlton was one of the best England forwards ever to play the game, his heading power was no more than shaky.
      But fans from those days remember affectionately as the strand of hair carefully placed across his balding head flew in a damp arc roughly in the direction the ball took.
      Grandads will remember a rare success —  his headed beauty for Manchester United in their European Cup final victory over Benfica in 1968.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Sir Bobby is an 86-year-old who is very ill with advanced dementia, one of only two England World Cup-winners still alive.
      The other is Sir Geoff Hurst of — I am proud to say — West Ham. He remains as bright as a blazer button. Team-mates in the 1966 side were not so lucky.
      Another four died with dementia barely able to remember a moment of that golden day at Wembley when Sir Geoff scored three. That is heart-breaking. There is no cure for this terrible disease.
      There are some prevention measures such as limiting headers in training for young players, even barring them for under-12s. This season, regulations changed and an offender in the area is penalised with an indirect free-kick outside it.
      Most read in Football
      Charlton starred for Manchester United and England during his careerCredit: Getty
      It is claimed that a lighter ball does not cause so much damage. While the old leather balls were slower, I’m told they hit the receiver like flighted puddings, often lace-up. They hurt.
      It’s true that head damage is a greater plague among rugby players and a pandemic in boxing.
      And yes, sadly, those who look through broken eyelids and speak in slurred syllables have often suffered regular bombardment.
      This week came an announcement that help is at hand by way, no less, of mouthguards.
      Equipment used in Sunday’s NFL match in London provided information on head bangs in seconds. Normally, it takes 12 hours.
      The next probable step is to fit sensors in helmets, measuring the force of each tackle. So is the use of biomarkers, such as saliva and blood, to help judge  when players can be back in action.
      Charlton, 86, is one of only two members of the World Cup-winning squad still aliveCredit: Getty
      From January, technology will be introduced in rugby union to measure big hits of the kind that occurred every few minutes in the riveting World Cup match between South Africa and France.
      Stoppages will be even more common when the regulated tackle threshold is broken. Each time a doctor will make a head assessment.
      It is believed it will identify 18 per cent of concussions missed during actual play. A “game changer” said a leading assessor.
      Such developments are only scratching the surface. Soon, no doubt, ‘smart’ mouthguards will  track the accruing load over time, probably forcing threatened sportsmen and women to give up their sport.
      Read More on The Sun
      Yes, trying to guarantee a safer future will  surely become compulsory one day.
      Much more preferable to losing your senses. More

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      Ex-footballers more than three times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia

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      EX-FOOTBALLERS are almost three and a half times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than the general public, a study has revealed.The findings support previous research which found that pro players may be at higher risk of brain-function disease.
      Jeff Astle’s death was later linked at an inquest to heading footballs
      The latest study was commissioned by the Football Association and Professional Footballers’ Association — with more than 460 ex-pros taking part.
      It found 2.8 per cent were diagnosed with dementia or other neurodegenerative disease compared with 0.9 per cent of the general population — a 3.46 times higher rate.
      England’s 1966 World Cup winners Jack Charlton, Nobby Stiles, Martin Peters and Ray Wilson all passed away after suffering with the illness.
      West Brom legend Jeff Astle’s death in 2002 at the age of 59 was later linked at an inquest to heading footballs.
      READ MORE ON DEMENTIA
      Dr Adam White, from the PFA, said: “These studies ensure that targeted and evidence-led action can be identified and taken to support and protect players at all stages of their career.”
      The findings will be shared with football’s world and European ruling bodies Fifa and Uefa.
      The Sun told earlier this year how a group of former footballers and rugby players and their families are launching legal action for damages in relation to brain injuries.
      Their lawyer, Richard Boardman, of Rylands Garth, told The Sun: “We allege there’s been a systematic failure by the governing bodies to protect players.”
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      European-Cup winning ex-Prem and England ace suing FA for damages in £300m brain injury case

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      A FORMER Premier League and England ace is suing the FA for damages in a £300million brain injury case.The European Cup winner is one of 15 players who claim heading the ball caused dementia or other conditions.
      Sources said an ex-Prem and England star who played during the 1990s was added to the brain injury claim in the past two weeksCredit: Getty
      They are part of a wider legal action brought by 379 sportspeople and their families against the governing bodies for football and rugby.
      Sources said the star, who played during the 1990s and won several caps for the Three Lions, was added to the claim in the past two weeks.
      His inclusion is a significant moment in the case because it is likely to shatter the myth that players only from the 1960s and 1970s had been affected as they were heading heavy leather footballs.
      Researchers say modern balls travel at greater speeds, increasing the impact on the skull.
      READ MORE ON THE FA
      So far, 105 rugby league and 260 former rugby union players as well as the 15 ex-footballers have joined the lawsuit, which will be heard in the High Court.
      Another 20 former footballers are in the process of issuing claims.
      They are suing, among others, the International Football Association Board, The FA, the English Football League and the Football Association of Wales.
      Some of the claimants have died and were found to have a type of brain damage known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
      Most read in Football
      Those still alive have dementia, Parkinson’s disease, post-concussion syndrome, epilepsy or motor neurone disease.
      Their lawyer, Richard Boardman, of Rylands Garth, told The Sun: “We allege there’s been a systematic failure by the governing bodies to protect players.”
      Those whose deaths have been linked to heading the ball include West Brom’s Jeff Astle, who died at 56 in 2002. England’s 1966 heroes Ray Wilson, Martin Peters, Nobby Stiles, Jack Charlton and manager Sir Alf Ramsey all had dementia.
      Nobby’s son, John, who is part of the lawsuit, said: “In the fullness of time this will be seen as the greatest scandal in sport.
      “The players have been completely failed. They are uninformed and unprepared for the dangers.”
      He wants action including longer recovery time following concussion.
      The FA declined to comment. More

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      Sky Sports presenter Hayley McQueen gives heartbreaking update on Man Utd legend dad’s battle with dementia

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      SKY SPORTS presenter Hayley McQueen has shared an update on her dad’s condition as he continues to battle dementia.Former Manchester United and Scotland defender Gordon McQueen, 70, was diagnosed with dementia two years ago.
      Sky Sports presenter Hayley McQueen appeared on Good Morning Britain on WednesdayCredit: Rex
      Hayley gave an update on her dad, Gordon McQueen, who was diagnosed with dementia two years agoCredit: Alamy
      As a player McQueen spent seven years at Old Trafford and six years at Leeds, having started his career in Scotland with St Mirren in 1970.
      Hayley revealed McQueen’s condition means he is now “completely bedridden”.
      She told Good Morning Britain: “He is completely bedridden, which is awful. A big strapping man, just in bed.
      “He watches a lot of football, not current day, he has a lot of football friends popping by. We’ve had a lot of his ex-team-mates come by.

      “He knows who we all are, which is very weird because I associate dementia with not having a clue what on earth is going on or who anybody is and I quite like that fact, from a selfish point of view.
      “But of me is like ‘if he didn’t know who we were, where we were, it maybe wouldn’t be so hard to think about potentially the day when he has to go into a home. At least he doesn’t know where he is or what’s going on’.
      “He’s very aware, it’s like he’s locked in himself.”
      Hayley went on to say her family debated whether or not to tell McQueen about his diagnosis.
      Most read in Football
      The Sky Sports News presenter is the eldest of three children McQueen had with wife Yvonne.
      Hayley continued: “When we found out that he had dementia, we were given the diagnosis, we debated whether to tell him or not.
      “We were like ‘if we don’t tell him, he’s never going to know’ and if we tell him do we then have to remind him every day that he’s got dementia?
      “We weren’t going to tell him and then we’re sat in the hospital and they were like “ok, Gordon, this is how we deal with dementia” and that’s that then.
      “He said ‘I don’t want to get worse, I want to get better’.”
      McQueen retired from football in 1985 following a short stint in Hong Kong with Seiko SA, and would go on to manage Airdrieonians.
      In 2012, he was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame.
      A defender by trade, McQueen won the First Division title with Leeds United in 1974, and reached the European Cup final the following year.
      He also won the FA Cup in 1983 during his time with Manchester United. More

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      F1 hero Jackie Stewart gives heartbreaking health update on dementia-stricken wife as he reveals she can no longer walk

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      SIR JACKIE STEWART revealed his wife Lady Helen can no longer walk due to her dementia.The Formula One legend explained Helen, 81, was first diagnosed with the condition seven years ago.
      Sir Jackie Stewart spoke about wife Helen on Good Morning BritainCredit: Getty
      The pair were childhood sweethearts and married in 1962Credit: Tom Farmer
      Stewart and Helen celebrate after victory at the 1969 Dutch Grand PrixCredit: Alamy
      Stewart and Helen at Wimbledon in 2019Credit: Getty
      But she has now worsened and has trouble remembering conversations as well as being left unable to walk.
      Stewart, 83, says she is still “wonderful” ahead of her 82nd birthday on Saturday.
      Appearing on Good Morning Britain, he said: “She’s wonderful, of course, she can no longer walk, sadly.
      “And now if I have a chat with her as I do a lot, very quickly the last conversation disappears.
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      “Helen was identified about seven years ago, but it’s now pretty bad, and she has a birthday actually, coming up this weekend on Saturday.
      “She doesn’t want to hear this, but she is, I think, going to be 82. She’s always been a great looker.”
      Stewart continued by explaining he has seven nurses who take care of Helen, providing around the clock support.
      In 2018, he set up the charity Race Against Dementia and also spoke about the severity of the condition.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Stewart added: “I am very, very fortunate because of my racing career, I can afford to have seven neuro nurses looking after Helen.
      “Two at a time, because it’s 24 hours a day, but few people can afford that, and really, dementia is now the biggest killer in the world, even more than cancer.
      “There’s more people dying of dementia than cancer and the latest statistic is one in three people are going to die of dementia and yet there is no cure.” More

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      Gary Lineker says memory is so bad he cannot remember goals he scored in glittering career as top-level striker

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      GARY Lineker has sparked health fears by saying his memory is so poor he cannot recall goals he scored in a glittering career.There is rising awareness of ex-footballers with dementia linked to heading a ball in their playing days.
      Gary Lineker has sparked health fears by saying his memory is so poor he cannot recall goals he scoredCredit: Eyevine
      Lineker scored 48 times for England and hit 238 club goals but admits he can barely remember anyCredit: Bob Thomas Sports Photography – Getty
      The former striker scored 48 times for England and hit 238 club goals but admits he can barely remember any.
      And the Match of the Day host said he had questioned: “What’s wrong with me?”
      The tap-in specialist, 61, was asked how many of his goals he remembered during An Evening with Gary Lineker event at London’s Design Museum,
      He replied: “Hardly any.”
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      And when his remarks prompted laughter, the ex-Barcelona star continued: “No, I’m not joking. I’m genuine and it worries me a little bit.
      “But I’ve always been like that.
      “I was at Atletico Madrid’s ground recently.
      “Someone said, ‘Did you score here?’
      Most read in Football
      “I went ‘I don’t think so, and he went, ‘You scored five goals in this ground.’
      “I was deeply worried. What’s wrong with me?
      “This has been the same for 20-odd years”
      Read More on The Sun
      Although he did not specifically mention dementia, his comments come amid growing evidence of the link with heading.
      He helped launch a campaign last August to help sportspeople affected by it. More