Gordon Cowans - diagnosed with Alzheimer's

[ClaretTony]

He wasn't with us long but sad to hear today that he has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease. We know where that leads but early diagnosis can be a great help now in extending someone's normal life (and I use the term normal in the sense of the disease) for a good number of years. All the very best to him and his family.

He's issued the following statement today.



Dear friends and supporters.

In an attempt to stop speculation and mis information about my health, I have decided to release the following statement.

After a series of recent tests, I have been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease. Medication has been prescribed with some life changes, which I intend to commit to fully, the prognosis is a good one. I will be out and about for many years yet and see this as just another of life's journeys.

My match day duties with Aston Villa will remain an important part of my future and I will continue to perform these, in support of my beloved club, for as long as my health allows. With the love and support of family and close friends guaranteed, I am very optimistic and positive about the future.

With Love. Gordon ( Sid ) Cowans x

[randomclaret2]

Oh boy...sad news

[Spike]

Sad news but at least he will be able to forget his time with Waddle!
Sorry folks!

Seriously Gordon wishing you all the best mate

[LordBob]

It's sad but there is a positive note to it if he has been diagnosed early enough there is a very good chance he will have the progression of the disease slowed considerably. Last year a new medication was introduced the first in 20 years and the results of test are very encouraging. This illness is very close to me and I've been a member of the society for a long time, some great work being done but as usual money is needed. Good luck Sid x

[Silkyskills1]

Good luck to him.

[LordBob]

Sad news but at least he will be able to forget his time with Waddle!
Sorry folks!

Seriously Gordon wishing you all the best mate

I like your post Spike and I think we all know you wish him well and if there is one thing I have learned by being close to sufferers and their families is you have to have a laugh it benefits everybody.

[claptrappers_union]

When he played for us, you could see he was a league above the rest of the quality of our team. Even he was 40 and playing part-time.

[Buxtonclaret]

Fine footballer was Gordon.
Always remember him being good at timing tackles and great at spotting a killer pass.

[claretblue]

remember him as an industrious midfielder - lifting the European Cup in '82!

over 400 appearances (in 2 spells) at Villa

hope all goes well for Gordon!

[ClaretTony]

I like your post Spike and I think we all know you wish him well and if there is one thing I have learned by being close to sufferers and their families is you have to have a laugh it benefits everybody.

It can sometimes be taken the wrong way so you need to know your audience, and I don't think this message board is the correct place for it. But you have to laugh sometimes, it is the only way you get through things. I watched my dad suffer for a good number of years before he passed away, and he was only 67 then.

[IanMcL]

Would not wish that on anyone.
May he stay free of the symptoms for many years.

[Jakubclaret]

Sad news, but the diagnosis was early & the prognosis reasonably good, with the right support & medication & lifestyle adjustments it'll be more manageable & aid in a better quality of life.

[Lord Beamish]

His legs had gone by the time he had his few cameo appearances with us, but it was obvious just how classy a player he had been.

I wish him nowt but the best in his fight against this terrible condition.

[ecc]

Severe illness is allways terrible news irrespective of the person.

When it concerns a member of your family it's, well, needless to say.

When it's somebody you have "known" and apprcieciated albeit from a distance it's saddening.

Gordon Cowans was one of my favourite non-Clarets. I saw him play many times at Villa Park when I spent three years in Birmingham. He had a certain style about him, a certain elegance. He could pick a pass like few others in that era. Overshadowed by Glenn Hoddle - who was an excellent player- Cowans only ever played for England 10 times. He was, of course, a member of the Villa team that won the League in 1980-1981 and then the European Cup the following season.

And then, he was, albeit for a short period, a Claret.

Good luck, Sid.