Family of Magpies hero 'desperate for PFA support' amid dementia struggles
| Published date | 22 March 2024 |
| Publication title | Evening Chronicle |
For soccer players that equates to repeatedly heading a ball over a long career, not just players from yesteryear who were confronted by a heavy leather caser but even today's superstars where it travels so much faster it is like a bullet on impact.
It is a dire situation which has forced McNamee's family to make the final agonising decision to sell the house where he had lived for many years in an effort to pay spiralling care home costs.
They are far from alone in their desperate plight. No fewer than three from United's golden age covering seven years at the end of the sixties when the club made regular trophy finals are current dementia sufferers who need 24-hour care.
McNamee of the 1969 Fairs Cup squad has been joined by John Tudor from the '74 FA Cup, and Tommy Cassidy who played in both the '74 FA Cup and '76 League Cup.
Heroes all who brought so much joy to so many but are currently paying a huge price for their time in the spotlight representing the Toon.
Former Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear, who played for Spurs, is another in a care home.
Now John McNamee Jnr is supporting a campaign launched by
John McNamee action for the
Nobby Stiles' son John to get justice for families of former footballers facing such financial hardship.
"I want the PFA to step in and take positive action, not just talk about it," he told me.
"I don't want compensation for individuals but justice and help for families of ex-players who are being wiped out financially.
"When dad was first diagnosed seven years ago we received what amounted to six weeks care from the PFA but then the money stopped, deadlines for a final decision were put back, and nothing happened.
"My sister and I had to fund dad's care home bills and then when we couldn't any in Magpies longer we had to sell dad's old house in Cockermouth to set up a fund which covers his care home stay but this cannot go on indefinitely.
"We are just one of countless families desperate for some sort of support which is why I've been in constant discussions with John Stiles to back what he is doing."
John, a former player himself with Leeds United and Rochdale, set up Football Families For Justice three years ago and has relatives of 40 players actively involved with him.
When I spoke with John he told me: "What is happening - or...
To continue reading
Request your trial