‘They have a duty of care and they have not done a thing’ Taylor sits in an ivory tower while we care for Dad’s every need
FAMILY HIT OUT AT PFA OVER FATHER’S DEMENTIA
Ernie Moss devoted his life to football but when he was crippled by dementia his family found Gordon Taylor’s PFA unwilling to step forward and fight for him.
The union showed no interest when Moss detected the first symptoms of his illness in his 50s. nor were they moved to help when he was diagnosed with Pick’s Disease, caused by the destruction of brain cells.
At 69, the Chesterfield legend, scorer of 191 goals in three spells with his home-town club, requires 24-hour care from wife Jennifer and daughters nikki and sarah. And while the Moss family have long since given up on the idea of union help, they have supported the efforts of chairman Ben Purkiss to topple chief executive Taylor and make changes which might assist others.
‘i’m pleased Ben has been able to shake it up,’ said nikki. ‘There is all this money and so many footballers living with dementia and Gordon Taylor’s PFA did not step up. He should have been out visiting every single player who has this condition. He should do it out of decency. Also to see what’s happening, to see the physical effects on the players and the emotional strain on their families. And to offer some support.
‘He hasn’t, of course. He just been sitting there in his ivory tower looking at his Lowry while we were wiping Dad’s backside — sitting there and hoping we would all shut up.
‘They have a duty of care and they have not done a thing. And knowing they do not give a damn makes you feel so isolated. it is heartbreaking.’
Moss was a towering centre forward famed for his aerial power. He made 749 appearances for nine different league clubs, played semi-pro into his 40s and coached in non-League. He was a gentle giant, polite and articuh late but, these days, barely speaks. When he slipped out alone one day last year, he was found in the streets near saltergate, which was Chesterfield’s home until 2010 and is now a housing development.
Chesterfield ensure Moss can attend games at their Proact stadium and former team-mates keep in touch, in particular close friend sean o’neill who would take ernie out running until his physical condition deteriorated. Thearticuh f family il of fJ Jeff ff A Astle, tl th the W West t Brom striker who died in 2002 aged 59 after suffering dementia which was proved to be linked to heading the ball, have been a source of comfort and strength.
There was an unofficial call from ritchie Humphreys, who met the Moss family when a Chesterfield player and PFA chairman. ‘Years ago, we phoned the PFA to see if they could help,’ said nikki. ‘We were basically b i ll told t ld no. They Th said if we needed a hand rail in the bathroom to get it done and send in the invoice and they might pay it.
‘it’s not about money. Money won’t bring Dad back. it’s the lack of compassion that makes me mad. They never visited, never phoned to ask how Mum was coping.’
Taylor defended the union’s work on dementia on Wednesday, saying: ‘You’re talking about a worldwide problem that the government can’t deal with, health services can’t deal with and FiFA hasn’t dealt with.
‘We are now involved in some four areas of research to see if there can be a causal link (between football and dementia). i’m not perfect and it would be lovely if we’d been successful with research, and that’d create big changes in the game.’
Humphreys did get back in touch and the PFA have paid for a shower room to be fitted for Moss at his home, though it feels like an afterthought.
‘in all these years since the link was made with Jeff, there’s been ample opportunity to fund a proper study and we’d be on the way to getting some answers,’ said nikki. ‘i’m not expecting them to find a cure. But do something to help these players.’