Steve Bull: Gordan Cowans has all of football behind him

Bull – who described Villa legend Cowans as ‘one of the best I’ve ever played with’ – said he was shocked to hear the former midfielder was in the early stages of the disease.

Cowans released a statement on Monday revealing he had early onset Alzheimer’s disease though stressed that the prognosis is ‘a good one’.

The 61-year-old – known to fans and former team-mates as Sid – won the league championship and European Cup with Villa, going on to play more than 450 games for the claret and blues during three spells at Villa Park.

He also played 37 times for Wolves after moving to the club in 1994 – where he forged a close friendship with club record goalscorer Bull. “Sid always sat next to me in the dressing room and we always got on then and we’re still close friends now,” said Bull.

“I’d heard a few days before the the statement went out about his diagnosis and we were all shocked. Everyone is wishing him all the best. It’s one of those things that can happen to anyone but when you hear it is someone you know like Sid then it always comes as a blow. He has loads of mates in the game and everyone will do their best to help him with whatever he needs.

“The whole football family will be there for him.”

Bull recalled his spell with Cowans at Molineux and described the playmaker as ‘top drawer’ among midfielders.

“He was a big part of that Villa team that won the league, the European Cup and the European Super Cup – you have to be a quality player to be able to do that,” added Bull.

“When he was at Wolves he was obviously older but you could still see he was absolute class. He was top drawer to play with.

“You knew when he had the ball he could play those balls round the side or over the top of the defenders to run on to.

“He’s not the biggest bloke but he could tackle too. You couldn’t do what he has done in the game without having real quality, I really wish him all the best.”