Wolves boss Nuno: More heading studies needed
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has called for more research on the impact of heading footballs after it emerged club legend Mike Bailey has dementia.
Nuno expressed his sadness at the news Bailey, the 1974 League Cup-winning captain, has been battling Alzheimer's for the past three years.
The 78-year-old’s family believe he is the latest victim of head trauma in football with a study last year revealing former players were three-and-a-half times more likely to die from brain disease.
The Professional Footballers' Association recently called for a limit on heading the ball in training, after research suggested modern players might also be at risk.
Nuno said: “It's a very difficult situation because the game requires heading the ball.
“It’s something which needs further studies to give a better opinion. Even in youth it is part of the game so how can we take away part of the game which can be so important?
“But we cannot ignore it and we have to do something. I hope further studies can help us make wise decisions.”
Bailey, who played as a midfielder, made 436 appearances for Wolves and also captained the club in the 1972 UEFA Cup final.
Nuno said: “It's sad news. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Mike but I'm very aware of what he means for the club, a former captain and a player who made so many appearances.
“At the moment he is suffering and fighting against dementia, so our thoughts go to him and his family and I know he has the support of the club.”
