Former Hull City striker Dean Windass has revealed he was diagnosed with stage two dementia last year, with a consultant linking the condition to his career of heading footballs. The 55-year-old, best known for scoring the winning goal that sent Hull to the Premier League in 2008, agreed to a diagnostic scan after being persuaded by John Stiles, son of England 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles, who died with dementia in 2020.
Windass said he had not noticed any problems at the time, but the scan found a shade on his brain. He was told the condition could remain stable for half a decade or a decade, or could deteriorate. “I’m not happy about it; I wish they’d said I was all clear,” he said, but added that he underwent the scan to help other families, including his own in future.
The diagnosis adds to a series of post-career struggles for Windass, who has been open about his mental health difficulties. He made two suicide attempts and spent 26 days in rehab for alcohol dependency. He was also made bankrupt through debts incurred via a film investment scheme that affected numerous former footballers.
Windass, who describes himself as a showman and pantomime villain on the pitch, said he tried to deal with the diagnosis with humour. “I walked in my local pub and everyone’s going: ‘My God, are you all right?’ I went: ‘Yeah, I’m fine thank you, but I’ve forgotten my wallet!’ That was the best way for me to deal with it.”
His son Josh, a Sheffield Wednesday player, learned of the diagnosis when it was announced on television by former Manchester United defender David May. Windass had chosen not to tell his son directly, but said he hoped his case would raise awareness and support for families affected by brain injuries in football.
