STILES: LEARN FROM DEMENTIA MISTAKES

THE parliamentary inquiry into the link between sport and longterm brain injury must examine past failures and bring those responsible to account, says John Stiles, the son of World Cupwinning legend Nobby.

Insiders have disclosed that the focus of the two hearings, which begin next Tuesday, is likely to be future plans and what measures can be taken to safeguard those playing sport.

But former leeds United and Doncaster rovers defender Stiles, a key backer of Sportsmail’s campaign which calls on football to finally tackle its dementia scandal, does not believe such an approach goes far enough.

‘I’m really pleased the MPs have got involved,’ he said. ‘Football can’t sort out its own issues and it hasn’t wanted to. This is a national scandal that affects many people.

But the reason the inquiry is happening is the failings of the past. There has to be an examination of what’s gone wrong before they can move forwards.’

Stiles, whose father passed away in October aged 78, has been critical of the Professional Footballers’ association’s inaction. Outgoing chief executive Gordon Taylor will appear before the committee and Stiles wants him held accountable for his part in the scandal.

‘I’d like to see him explain why so little of the millions that have been given to the PFA to do their job and look after ex-players has been spent on doing so,’ he said.

a spokesman for the PFA said the union is ‘committed to funding research and working towards stronger protections for players’.