Heading for Dementia

An unflinchingly honest exploration of dementia and football from 1970s Bolton, Burnley and Blackpool striker Paul Fletcher.


Written with respected football writer Dave Thomas, author of more than 30 football books.


Features a contribution from Bryony Hill, whose late husband, the famous footballer and TV personality Jimmy Hill, was a dementia sufferer.


The number of footballers who have succumbed to dementia is horrifying. A name appears in the press almost weekly of a player who has been diagnosed or has passed away. Paul’s investigation shines a light, in particular, on the sufferers who have emerged from his main club, Burnley:


• In the 1970s, Paul Fletcher headed a ball for a living at Bolton, Burnley and Blackpool

• Today, he wonders what the future will hold: is he experiencing normal age-related memory loss or early dementia?

• He reflects on his career, his achievements and the things he does not want to forget

• He looks at the links between heading footballs and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and asks, are the football authorities doing enough?

• He remembers and honours those players with dementia who have passed away, and highlights the plight of the victims still living but suffering, and uncovers their stories


This book examines the nature of dementia and the perils of heading a football for a living through a deeply personal insider account. It’s a must-read for anyone who cares about the beautiful game.