https://www.telegraph.co.uk/footbal...-battle-dementia-england-man-city-sunderland/ Never knew and very sad to hear.
It let me read for free first time, but I went back again and was asking me to sign up. Sure 12ft ladder works if anyone needs it
I remember getting his autographas as an 8 yr old shortly after we won the cup. I don't think I had ever seen a man so big. He seemed enormous. Best centre half I have seen for us in my lifetime. So sad to see what has happened to him.
Never forget his contribution to us. He was bought as a centre forward but Stokoe, I think, saw his potential as a centre half. He proved Stokoe right.
I think it was Billy Elliot, who recognised he was a CH. Which made us buy Vic Halom. just amazing how it all fell together Best CH I have ever seen, He could fly (I said this to him and he just repeated it )
Watson came very close to bettering King Charlie. He was certainly more mobile and suited our needs in the early 70s. Such a shame what’s happening with him now.
This video was shown on ITV yesterday before the England game if anyone missed it Sad to see him like this now
Definitely one of my all time favourites . He always seemed so calm on the pitch - seemed to make ball winning tackles when barely even moving let alone running. Best wishes to Dave and family
Can't watch it...too upsetting..I've seen this illness at first hand....fantastic player,hero for us,loved him!
Watched it and it’s very tough seeing him like that. Dementia took my Mam and it’s absolutely devastating the effect it has on the individual and their families. Penny Watson is a very brave lady and has my utmost respect.
The squad list for the first season my dad watched us. He can't remember the exact first game unfortunately https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/sunderland-afc/1952/2/
Dad thinks this was his first game, January 1952 against Liverpool. https://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/Game/2569
My mates Dad was a scout for Ipswich and knew Dave well. He and his wife had been babysitting for Penny and Dave and brought the kids across to see our family the next day. In walked Dave to pick them up, with the FA Cup! That'll live with me forever. Dave was a really nice bloke and it's awful to see him going the same way that both of my parents went. There really needs to be greater investment in finding a cure for all kinds of Dementia.
