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      ‘I can’t go on like this,’ Chris Kamara reveals heartbreaking way he disappeared from Sky Sports after health battle

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      CHRIS KAMARA has opened up on the heartbreaking way he was forced to call time on his Sky Sports career.The much-loved football pundit was a mainstay on fans’ TV screens for over two decades, which in itself followed a playing career spanning 20 years.Chris Kamara is making a triumphant comeback to Amazon Prime on Boxing DayCredit: PAIt comes three seasons on from his heartbreaking revelation that he was suffering from apraxiaCredit: RexHis double act alongside Jeff Stelling on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday produced entertainment gold time and time again. However, in March 2022 “Kammy”, as he is affectionately known to many, shared details of the condition he was suffering with, apraxia, a neurological disorder disrupting the transfer of thought from brain to speech.But three seasons on, Kamara is making a triumphant return to TV to reunite with Stelling on Amazon Prime watching Nottingham Forest face Tottenham.In an interview with the Mirror, Kamara opened up on how he was encouraged to open up about his condition and how revealing it to the world changed everything.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “My last game for Sky was at Rotherham against Shrewsbury, and when I got back to the car I knew I had made a complete balls-up of it.”When I checked my phone, on Twitter there were loads of comments with people saying, ‘He must have been drunk’ or ‘has he had a stroke?’ “I rang my therapist and said, ‘This can’t continue. I can’t go on like this.’ And he replied, ‘You can – but you need to tell everyone what’s going on.’“That’s when I resolved to ‘come out’ and it was the moment that changed everything.” Most read in FootballWhile it seemed his TV career was now over, Kamara was recommended a revolutionary treatment in Mexico to help rekindle his spontaneity by Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway.He continued: “Suddenly people were 100 per cent supportive and there were so many offers of help.’My life was over two years ago,’ says Chris Kamara as he fights back tears on Britain Get Singing”Thankfully, one of them came from Kate Garraway, whose husband Derek had gone over to Monterrey in Mexico for treatment after contracting Long Covid.”She said it had helped to stimulate parts of his brain so he could read again, for example, and she said, ‘Why don’t you give it a go?’ I’ve been over to Mexico three times and it’s made such a difference.”And help it has with Kamara now in line to make an emotional return to our screens in a truly feel-good Christmas story.His efforts to raise awareness of the disorder saw the now 66-year-old awarded an MBE last year for services to football, charity and anti-racism.On his return, he said: “It was surreal to get that phone call from Andrew ‘Buzz’ Hornet, who was one of the first football producers at Sky Sports. “I was on my way to a Paul Heaton gig in Manchester – I’ve known Paul since I played for Sheffield United, he’s a big Blades fan and me invited over to one of his concerts – when Buzz called.”I thought, ‘What does he want? And Buzz says, ‘How do you fancy being reunited with Jeff on Boxing Day?’ Er, yes – in what capacity? ‘Reporting on live football, like you normally do, at Forest v Spurs.’”How could I refuse? It might be one last hurrah for me in terms of covering football on the box, but to work with Jeff again will bring a bit of extra magic to Christmas for me. Help for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.”Of course, I’m not 100 per cent, but I’m 70 per cent better than when I first disclosed my condition in public and I feel like I’ve got the old Kammy back.”Kammy added: “The one thing about my job at Sky that I guarded more than anything was being spontaneous.“I’ve lost that ability in a way but I’m going to try and wheel it out on Boxing Day. “If I started to rehearse lines in my head, or tried to prepare some premeditated lines, then I would be guaranteed to mess it up.”Yet before his apraxia diagnosis, Kamara had feared he could have been another case of an ex-footballer suffering with dementia.He explained: “Doctors asked me how many concussions I had suffered as a player – there were three.”And of course there were dark moments where it messes with your head. “You’re doing these reports live to camera and I know I’m not me any more, but I’m not letting anyone or anybody know what’s going on.”These little voices in your head are asking, ‘Could it be dementia? Could it be Alzheimer’s?’ Now I know the truth, I can handle it. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m working as much as I can, especially to help children with speech and language conditions, and I’ve stopped being a bloke who’s too stubborn to ask for help.“The past of my brain that’s been affected is the one that governs your memory speech fluency, but I can still sing and I can still do a Scottish accent – or both.”Is it ageing or dementia?Dementia – the most common form of which is Alzheimer’s – comes on slowly over time.As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe. But at the beginning, the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for normal memory issues related to ageing. The US National Institute on Aging gives some examples of what is considered normal forgetfulness in old age, and dementia disease.You can refer to these above.For example, it is normal for an ageing person to forget which word to use from time-to-time, but difficulting having conversation would be more indicative of dementia.Katie Puckering, Head of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Information Services team, previously told The Sun: “We quite commonly as humans put our car keys somewhere out of the ordinary and it takes longer for us to find them.“As you get older, it takes longer for you to recall, or you really have to think; What was I doing? Where was I? What distracted me? Was it that I had to let the dog out? And then you find the keys by the back door.“That process of retrieving the information is just a bit slower in people as they age.“In dementia, someone may not be able to recall that information and what they did when they came into the house.“What may also happen is they might put it somewhere it really doesn’t belong. For example, rather than putting the milk back in the fridge, they put the kettle in the fridge.” More

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      Man Utd legend Gordon McQueen left huge sum to his family including Sky Sports presenter daughter after tragic death

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gordon McQueen left £320,000 to his family —  with a chunk going to Sky Sports presenter daughter Hayley, documents show.The 1970s Man Utd and Leeds defender died last year aged 70 following dementia thought to have been caused by heading the ball.Gordon McQueen died in June 2023Credit: PAHe won the league with Leeds during his careerCredit: PAHe also played for Manchester United during his careerCredit: AlamyHe made more than 300 appearances for the two clubs and played 30 times for Scotland.Probate documents reveal his estate was worth £326,272.He and widow Yvonne lived in a £400,000 house in Hutton Rudby, Yorks.He named her and their three children — Hayley, 44, Anna Forbes and Edward McQueen as executors of his will.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAll four will share his estate and the proceeds of any house sale.The family is selling some mementos including cup medals.They donated his brain to aid sports injury research.McQueen started his career at St Mirren before moving to Leeds.Most read in FootballDuring his time in Yorkshire, he played alongside club greats, including Billy Bremner, Johnny Giles and Norman Hunter.He was also featured under legendary manager Don Revie on the famous Leeds side, which won the league in 1974.His daughter is Hayley McQueenThe Scot later joined United in 1978 and went on to make 184 appearances for the club, winning the FA Cup in 1983.McQueen also finished as a runner-up in the cup in 1975 and again in 1979, and twice was selected in the PFA Team of the Year.He won 30 caps for Scotland and was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2012.His daughter Hayley has also enjoyed a successful career in sport and is a regular broadcaster on Sky Sports.She is a presenter on Sky SportsCredit: Getty More

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      I 100 per cent fear getting dementia but have ways to try to fight it off, admits Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson, 82

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has revealed that he is “100 per cent” worried about getting dementia.The former Manchester United boss, 82, also lifted the lid on how he misses life in the Old Trafford dugout in a rare extended interview.Sir Alex Ferguson revealed how he sharpens his mind amid fears he’ll lose his memoryCredit: GettyThe legendary manager began working with a charity before Bobby Charlton succumbed to dementia last yearEngland heroes Nobby Stiles, Sir Bobby Charlton and his brother Jack Charlton were all diagnosed before their deaths.In an interview about his work with a dementia charity, Fergie was asked if the disease frightens him.He told BBC Breakfast: “I’m 82, obviously I worry about it. Generally my memory is quite good, pray the lord and touch wood it will stay that way. “But I worry about it, 100 per cent. I would be lying if I said anything different.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSF”I read a lot, I do quizzes a lot and I think that helps. “You have those YouTube quizzes, 100 questions, and I think if I don’t get to 70 per cent I’m struggling.”Several other footballers face an ongoing battle with dementia including ex-Middlesbrough striker Alan Peacock, 86.Sir Alex suffered a brain haemorrhage back in 2018, after which he underwent successful emergency surgery at Salford Royal Hospital.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis late wife Lady Cathy, who he described as his “bedrock”, died aged 84 last October following a serious illness.United hero Denis Law suffers from Alzheimer’s at the age of 84, having admitted a few years back that the condition had caused him anger, frustration, confusion and distress.Fergie retired from management in 2013 following a 27-year spell with United.Sir Alex Ferguson booked me a flight home from my holiday and hauled me back to Man Utd – I hadn’t done anything wrongThe fierce Scotsman until this day still also regularly attends United games both home and away.On missing the glory days, Fergie added: “I have been retired 11 years now so you find a way of adjusting. Yeah, I miss it sometimes. “I think the first year after retirement, I went to the European final and I said to Cathy ‘this is what I miss’ – big games, the European games.”So then I went to most of the European finals because I find something I can relate to, something I would liked to have done every day.”Because these are the big events that United should always be involved in.”He was speaking as part of National Playlist Day, which is used to celebrate the power of personalised music playlist for those living with dementia.One of the songs on Sir Alex’s playlist is My Own True Love by Margaret Whiting, the theme from the 1939 film Gone with the Wind.It reminds him of his beloved wife, Cathy, who he met in 1964 while working at a typewriter factory. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe took United into four Champions League finals after claiming the European Cup Winners Cup with Aberdeen in 1983 – a feat that first drew him to Old Trafford chiefs.The legendary boss won 13 Prem titles, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues during his Red Devils reign. More

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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.
      Read More on Bobby Charlton
      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.”
      Most read in Football More