Former Liverpool and Wales manager John Toshack receives dementia diagnosis
Former Liverpool striker and Wales manager John Toshack has been diagnosed with dementia at the age of 77, his son Cameron has confirmed.
Cameron Toshack revealed that the Welsh footballing icon is experiencing struggles with his short-term memory, although his recollection of historic matches remains astonishingly clear.
The 77-year-old’s son, currently working as an assistant manager for Thai club Buriram United, explained that his father still experiences good days and bad days.
“It’s a terrible disease. It’s the short-term memory where we’re seeing it – I speak to him most days and if we chat in the afternoon, he might not remember that we also spoke in the morning,” Cameron Toshack told the Daily Mail.
Tactical memories remain sharp
Despite the distressing nature of the illness, the esteemed tactician retains an encyclopaedic knowledge of his extensive career across Europe.
A recent conversation highlighted how the former Real Madrid boss vividly recalled specific tactical adjustments made to counter Marco van Basten during a clash with Arrigo Sacchi’s AC Milan.
“If I ask him about the Liverpool days, or Sociedad or Madrid, the detail is amazing. The game could have been yesterday, his memory was so clear,” Cameron added.
The legendary figure continues to offer astute advice to his son regarding his coaching duties in Thailand, proving his profound footballing intellect remains intact.
A glittering playing and managerial career
Emerging from Cardiff City, the formidable forward secured a high-profile transfer to Anfield in 1970, where he would go on to lift nine major trophies.
His highly successful playing spell on Merseyside yielded three First Division titles and a European Cup under the legendary guidance of Bill Shankly.
Transitioning into coaching, he famously guided Swansea City from the Fourth Division to the top flight in just four seasons as a player-manager.
A highly distinguished continental managerial career followed, featuring successful stints with Sporting Lisbon, Real Sociedad, and a La Liga triumph with Real Madrid in 1990.
Recent health challenges and tributes
In addition to his club exploits, the respected coach took charge of the Welsh national team on two occasions, playing a pivotal role in the early development of future stars like Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
The revered sporting figure has battled severe health issues recently, having spent time in intensive care two years ago battling pneumonia following complications from Covid-19.
Last year, he received a standing ovation and was presented with the prestigious Diamond and Gold badge by Real Sociedad ahead of a fixture against his former employers from the Spanish capital.
