FORMER Blackburn Rovers midfielder Gordon Cowans has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease.
The 61-year-old was brought to Ewood Park by Kenny Dalglish and played a key role in helping Rovers secure promotion to the then newly-formed Premiership after beating Leicester City 1-0 in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
Cowans, who played 50 times for Rovers, scoring twice in a two-year spell in East Lancashire, said: “In an attempt to stop speculation and mis-information about my health, I have decided to release the following statement.
“After a series of recent tests, I have been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease.
“Medication has been prescribed with some life changes, which I intend to commit to fully, the prognosis is a good one.
“I will be out and about for many years yet and see this as just another of life’s journeys.
“My match-day duties with Aston Villa will remain an important part of my future and I will continue to perform these, in support of my beloved club, for as long as my health allows. With the love and support of family and close friends guaranteed, I am very optimistic and positive about the future.”
Cowans, capped 10 times by England, is best known for helping Aston Villa win the league title in 1980/81 and then, memorably, the European Cup the following season where they defeated Bayern Munich 1-0.
He also played in Italy for Bari, had spells at Derby County and Wolverhampton Wanderers before ending his career at Burnley, playing six times for the Turf Moor club in 1997.
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