Special Feature: West Brom star Jeff Astle's widow in blistering attack on FA bosses

Dec 4 2011 by Adam Aspinall, Sunday Mercury

THE widow of Baggies legend Jeff Astle has launched a blistering attack on the Football Association after researchers confirmed heading footballs CAN cause fatal brain injuries.

The former England striker died at the age of 59 in January 2002 after battling deteriorating health for five years. As he got worse, he was unable to recognise even members of his own family.

Months later the Sunday Mercury revealed that Astle might have suffered brain damage from heading heavy leather balls during his career, something subsequently confirmed at his inquest.

At the time widow Laraine, 65, tried – but failed – to force the Football Association to properly investigate the link.

Now she has reacted with anger after a bombshell US study confirmed that frequently heading footballs can lead to brain injury.