Everton legend Mick Lyons, 70, reveals dementia battle as his daughter says he can keep in mind ‘the whole lot’ from his profession however struggles with short-term reminiscence – and he believes sickness is because of heading a soccer
- Everton legend Mick Lyons resides with dementia, his household have introduced
- The 70-year-old continues to be dwelling his life to its fullest along with his household out in Australia
- Lyons captained Everton and performed for the membership 473 instances as a defender
- He struggles with short-term reminiscence and believes dementia is because of the period of time he headed the ball throughout his lengthy profession as a footballer
Everton legend Mick Lyons resides with dementia, along with his household as we speak asserting one other one among soccer’s favorite sons is feeling the results of his lengthy and distinguished profession.
Lyons is within the early phases, nonetheless dwelling life to its fullest in Australia and was capable of speak about his love of Everton, the membership he captained and represented 473 instances as a defender.
Now 70, Lyons was identified final 12 months. His short-term reminiscence just isn’t the very best, however he is ready to recall the great outdated days in nice element and the way heading a heavy moist ball was like ‘thud, thud, thud’.
Mick Lyons celebrates scoring a aim for Everton towards Birmingham again in November 1974
Lyons, 70, has as we speak revealed his battle with dementia, which continues to be in its early phases
‘Everton was my group from the age of eight,’ Lyons stated. ‘Me, my brother, and my dad acquired season tickets. We might get the bus, the 44D. It will go all the way in which to Everton’s floor. We beloved it. I used to be simply very fortunate. It was a dream come true (to captain Everton). I felt seven foot tall.’
Lyons’ announcement comes a day after the PFA launched an initiative to be taught the complete extent of the dementia downside in English soccer, with the gamers’ union calling for households to come back ahead.
On being a courageous participant, Lyons continued: ‘Or daft! I used to love heading the ball. I do clearly assume the extra you headed the ball, the extra seemingly you have been to overlook issues. I simply get by way of OK.’
Lyons was born on the identical day – and in the identical hospital – as former Liverpool midfielder Terry McDermott. He, too, resides with dementia. The Everton nice says he doesn’t fear about his prognosis and that every one he can do is ‘get on with it’.
Lyons (proper) performed 473 instances for Everton as a defender, and in addition captained the membership
Lyons believes that the quantity he headed the ball has contributed to his dementia prognosis
He nonetheless watches his beloved Everton, regardless of the time distinction in Australia which means matches sometimes kick off at 4.45am.
‘It is prayers each time we play,’ stated Lyons, who is not certain soccer can be the identical if it eliminated heading from video games.
Lyons now lives in Australia the place his son, Michael, helps him.
His daughter Francesca, who’s been supported by Daybreak Astle, the daughter of West Bromwich Albion legend Jeff Astle, stated: ‘He says it is from heading the ball, however he remembers the whole lot from years again, soccer matches and scores and the whole lot.
‘There are a great deal of footage of him with blood pouring down his face. He simply went in for it, gave it his all for the golf equipment he performed for. He beloved what he did.’
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