Dean Windass reveals horrified reaction after former Premier League star was diagnosed with dementia

Windass, who scored 234 goals during his playing days, has now opened up on his ordeal.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, the ex-striker revealed that he immediately thought 'oh f**k' after being informed of his condition.

"I was asked if, as an ex-player, I would be prepared to go for a scan," said Windass.

"I panicked a bit because they said that it would be a couple of weeks before the results came back but I then got a text asking me to have a Zoom call.

"The conversation I had was that there was nothing to worry about at this stage but the scan has come back as mild grade two dementia. Immediately, I was like 'oh f**k, what does that mean?'"

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Windass was diagnosed last year. He had previously opted against revealing the news publicly but allowed May to speak on his behalf.

He has always been a colourful character, however. And the former Hull and Middlesbrough star has vowed to stay that way while admitting he couldn't resist cracking some jokes, despite the severity of the situation.

"I can't really remember the exact words that I was told," he continued.

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"I don’t know how it will affect my life in the years to come. I do forget names. I’m 55 now so maybe that’s just old age.

"I was told that it was nothing to worry about at this stage and – you know me – I had a laugh and joke.

"I told them I was delighted that they had found a brain in there and that that was a plus."

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Just got to keep smiling and trying to help people ⁦@DavidMay04⁩ ⁦@ThebfgGazza⁩ ⁦@walkingsbrill⁩ ⁦@kerryhull75⁩ ⁦@bignorms⁩ xx⚽️❤️ pic.twitter.com/piu3g5aCAE

— Dean Windass (@DWindass10) January 10, 2025

Windass hung up his boots in 2010 following a stint with Darlington and has since worked as a after dinner speaker.

The 55-year-old says he's keen to keep working in that profession and is hopeful that his dementia diagnosis won't get in the way.

"My job is an after-dinner speaker," he said. "I’ve had no problems in the last 15 years where I’ve forgotten what to say.

"I remember Frank Worthington doing an after-dinner speech once where he told the same story. If it affects my work there’s an issue but I’m hoping it doesn’t."

He added: "I don't know what's around the corner. I live day to day.

"I forget people's names but is that just me getting old?"