Stafford Rangers FA Trophy-winning hero Alf Wood has dementia

The striker has cult status after scoring both goals for Rangers at Wembley to win the FA Trophy 2-0 against Kettering in 1979.

The 68-year-old grandfather, who also played for Shrewsbury, Walsall, Millwall, Middlesbrough Hull City and Manchester City, can now barely speak and has no recollection of his legendary exploits on the turf.

His wife Joan has spoken publicly about her husband's illness after the family of late West Bromwich Albion striker Jeff Astle launched a bid to find ex-professionals also suffering health problems which could be linked to heading the old-style balls which were a lot heavier than the modern balls used today.

Joan, 67, lives in the couple's home near Walsall. She said: "I've read all the reports about the Astle family and I'm in the same boat. My husband's biggest skill was heading the ball and now he's got dementia.

"I'm not a neurologist so I can't say that's what caused Alf's illness. But, when I saw this (the Astle) case and the call for other relatives of suffering footballers to help, I knew I had to come forward. I know a lot of former footballers and their partners are going through something similar to us so there has to be some merit in investigating the possible links." Joan and Alf were childhood sweethearts in Manchester and married in 1966. He joined Stafford Rangers after an illustrious career in the Football League.

Last July, Alf's condition saw him move permanently into a care home. Joan is now a member of a support group and her family have embarked on various hair-raising stunts to raise cash for Dementia UK.

"I never wanted him to go into a home, it was always a last resort," she said. "But he had to for his own safety and because I could no longer cope." Alf's dementia has caused him to develop a near-crippling back injury and to lose more than three stone in weight.

Yet, despite his frail stature and poor cognition, he has not lost his sporting skills. "He can still kick a ball and catch," said Joan.

Stafford Rangers club secretary Michael Hughes said: "All our thoughts at Stafford Rangers are with Alf and his family. He, rightly, is part of the folklore of the club for his two goals at Wembley. He is fondly remembered by members of the club. It is awful to hear what he and his family are going through."

Phil Bennett from Stafford Rangers Supporters Trustsaid: "We invited him to a reunion of players a few years back and were told he probably would not have any recollection of his playing days.

"But his grandchildren came and really enjoyed it.

"It is obviously awful to hear of his condition and we offer him and his family our support and deepest thoughts."