Tommy Smith & Billy McNeill

[ClaretTony]

Seen in the last 24 hours that both sadly are now suffering with dementia.

Smith's is doubly sad in that he initially struggled dealing with his wife who was a sufferer and has now developed Alzheimer's.

[CleggHall]

Yes very sad news, both were top players in the 1960s/70s in a game far removed from what we watch now.
Strong, hard players, the best of luck to them.

[Funkydrummer]

Double whammy for Smith I think as, if I remember rightly, he has been wheelchair
bound for a good while because of the state of his knees. The result of playing with
injections to ease the pain rather than rest up and get proper treatment.

Very sad news indeed for the pair of them. I know what it's like as both my parents
suffer from the terrible disease.

[Ashingtonclaret46]

Sad news indeed. Two players whose like we shall probably never see again because, along with many others, they would have been hounded out of the modern game for being too physical.
Good luck to them both.

[mdd2]

Alzheimers or dementia pugilistica from repeated head injury?
Both around when one wouldn't wish to head those old style balls that soaked up the water when wet. Smith is only 71/72. Billy 76/77 so a tad older

[Wile E Coyote]

yes, very sad indeed. Iconic figures in that era, what incredible achievements both attained for their respective clubs too.

In Liverpool and Glasgow, both are legendery names,and rughtly so.

[IanMcL]

I remember Tommy Smith saying how, when injured, they just gave him a cortisone injection and sent him out to play. he was on sticks at the time.

Case for industrial injury....

[mikeS]

Remember Tommys goal in the European cup final and Barry Davis's commentary on the TV when his header went in.
"Oh my word...its Tommy Smith!!!"

[dsr]

Alzheimers or dementia pugilistica from repeated head injury?
Both around when one wouldn't wish to head those old style balls that soaked up the water when wet. Smith is only 71/72. Billy 76/77 so a tad older

Mr Smith's might be, but not his wife's I wouldn't think. She was younger than him, too.

[ClaretTony]

Tommy Smith's is Alzheimer's but Billy McNeill's, in the report I read, just referred to dementia.

[mrhungryone]

Sad news...

[john'sroseyspecs]

Does any of the obscene millions of pounds in football go to help ex players like these? I know the PFA do good things but what about the FA and premier league. Sad, just sad.

[basil6345789]

Smith headed more opponents than balls

[cricketfieldclarets]

I saw Smith at a sportsmans dinner at the turf. Was a very good night and he spoke well. Terrible diesease.