[0762]

There is some new research info emanating from Stirling University that this is indeed the case after measuring the neural effect on players before and after heading a football. Heading practise is already banned in the USA for all young players up to the age of maturity. So it is an issue that has been taken seriously elsewhere. I notice Gary Lineker commenting that he avoided heading a football because he always felt there could be a poss bad effect on the brain in future years, referring to the premature death of WBA's old striker, Jeff Astle, as one prime example.

[ritchiebaby]

I realise that it is a potentially serious issue, but is everybody affected the same? For instance The Lawman, especially in the "olden" days, and Andy Gray have survived not too badly.

[0762]

I think there is indeed a case of differing dispositions from player to player. I must admit I've played hundreds of footie matches from when I was a kid and I 'headed' heavy fillies in the early years and the wet balls were even heavier! I don't think I've been affected and I'm guessing that there is some form of neural recovery that kicks in even though there is a clear measured effect on impact. I'd also like to see more global data that possibly would shed more light re this issue but it appears that there's hardly been any research studies to investigate the risk of brain damage. IMO protection of young footballers is the 'do minimum' in this situation.