Football legend Dean Windass has issued a heartbreaking public appeal to his estranged son, Josh, on the Wrexham star's 32nd birthday, pleading for contact ahead of a major FA Cup fixture.
A Father's Public Plea on Social Media
The 56-year-old Hull City icon took to social media platform X on Friday, initially posting a birthday message that quickly turned into an emotional cry for reconciliation. Dean Windass wished his son good luck for Wrexham's FA Cup third-round tie against Premier League side Nottingham Forest at the Racecourse Ground.
His post read: "Just want to wish my Josh happy 32nd birthday. Gd luck tonight against Nottingham Forest in the FA cup from a very proud DAD. Miss yeh. Life's too short Josh, this is breaking my heart. Please get in touch." The public nature of the plea underscores the depth of the family rift and Dean's desperation to reconnect.
A Strained Relationship Amid Health Battles
The situation is compounded by Dean Windass's health. In January 2025, the former Premier League striker was diagnosed with dementia, a condition he has spoken openly about and admitted frightens him. He has since become a vocal campaigner for greater awareness of dementia risks in football, particularly linked to heading the ball.
In a painful twist, it was revealed that Josh Windass only learned of his father's diagnosis from a teammate. Speaking to The Sun in March 2025, Josh explained he was in a coffee shop when Sheffield Wednesday teammate Max Lowe said, "Sorry to hear about your dad's dementia," to which Josh responded, "Oh, that's news to me."
At the time, Josh indicated communication was sparse, saying he spoke "sometimes" to his brother, who was monitoring their father's condition. He added that despite the diagnosis, Dean still knew his name and was "sound".
Pride, Football, and a Cryptic Connection
Despite the estrangement, Dean has consistently expressed immense pride in his son's football career. He has described being moved to tears watching Josh play for Glasgow Rangers, calling himself the "proudest man" during emotional moments at Ibrox Stadium.
Dean continues to follow Josh's career closely with Wrexham in the Championship. Josh has been a key player for the Welsh club since joining last summer, contributing seven goals and four assists. When speculation emerged in December about a potential return to Rangers, Dean acknowledged the rumours with a cryptic social media post, demonstrating his ongoing attention to his son's professional path.
As Josh Windass prepares for a high-profile FA Cup clash, the spotlight now also falls on this deeply personal family situation, highlighting the complex human stories that exist behind the glamour of professional football.
