Watson has disease ‘most likely’ caused by heading ball

FORMER City defender Dave Watson has a neurodegenerative disease that was ‘most likely’ brought on by head injuries and repeated heading of the ball during his playing days, his wife has revealed.

The 73-year-old, who played for the Blues between 1976-79 making 146 appearances and also captained England, retired in 1986. But his wife, Penny Watson, believes the effects of playing have caused him to suffer from the disease – which is what caused former West Brom striker Jeff Astle’s death in 2002.

A statement released by Mrs Watson said: “Now seems like the right time to inform you that for several years my husband Dave Watson has been battling a neurodegenerative disease.

“His consultant has concluded that the condition Dave is now living with is in all probability Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) - most likely caused by Dave’s many head injuries, including severe concussions and repeated heading of the ball. Dave has good days and bad days. He endeavours to continue to live and enjoy a normal life, as best as possible, however almost every day we are confronted with a new challenge.”

The statement added: “The last thing Dave wants is to be treated with pity. He has always been a fighter, as those of you who watched him play know but this is one battle Dave cannot win. Even though things have not ended up as we both planned, Dave does not regret pursuing his passion, doing what he loved - playing football.”