Calderwood reveals his battle with dementia

SCOTTISH football was left stunned last night after former Aberdeen and Dunfermline manager Jimmy Calderwood revealed he has dementia. The 62-year-old was first diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease over two years ago after partner Yvonne Buchanan noticed that he was starting to become ‘a wee bit forgetful’. Between 1999 and 2004, the former Birmingham City and Sparta Rotterdam midfielder managed Dunfermline during their most successful spell since the 1960s, reaching the Scottish Cup Final in 2004. He enjoyed a successful spell at Pittodrie from 2004-2009, leading the Dons to regular top-six finishes and the last 32 of the UEFA Cup in 2008. The latest in a long line of footballers to be struck by dementia, including Celtic legend Billy McNeill and former Dundee United player Frank Kopel, Calderwood hopes to help others by going public with his condition. He said: ‘It was actually my partner, Yvonne, who noticed I was getting a wee bit forgetful and she insisted I get checked out. ‘I suppose I am a typical west of Scotland man of my generation and the last thing I think about is going to the doctor with anything I think of as just being minor. But I am

grateful to her because, now I know I have it, I can do what I can to fight against it. ‘If, by making this public, I can help others talk more openly about dementia, then that will be something positive. ‘I am fine, except for being a bit forgetful with some names, but I am determined to continue enjoying my life.’ Calderwood’s former clubs gave messages of support. Aberdeen FC tweeted: ‘The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Jimmy’. A spokesperson for Dunfermline said: ‘Our thoughts are with Jimmy and his family.’