West Brom legend Jeff Astle's family to meet FA chairman Dyke
The family of West Bromwich Albion legend Jeff Astle are to meet with the chairman of the FA tomorrow as part of their campaign to raise awareness of head injuries in football.
They will be making the case for independent research into the effects of heading balls when they meet Greg Dyke at Wembley.
Jeff's wife Laraine and daughters Claire and Dawn will also be asking for the FA to support former footballers and families affected by dementia, and to educate all those in the game over possible risks.
The meeting will take place before the Community Shield match. And they say it will be the first of many meetings with the FA. Dawn Astle said: "We believe that they have the resources and the skills to deliver a safer and more aware game. The question is, do they have the will?"
The family criticised Mr Dyke after he flew to Brazil for the World Cup without responding to a lengthy letter written to him to highlight an examination which revealed the former footballer died of chronic traumatic encephalopathy for repeated heading of footballs.
But the meeting tomorrow will now also include Dr Ian Beasley, head of medical services at the FA, and Dr Willie Stewart, who conducted the re-assessment of Jeff's brain.
The Astles are now hopeful this could be the start of research and support for all those affected. Laraine said: "It's about the other families and getting justice for them, not just for Jeff. The fact that there are families that with husbands and dads that don't know what day of the week it is, it breaks your heart."
The family were speaking after a meeting with bosses at West Bromwich Albion yesterday over how the club can help with their Justice for Jeff campaign.
