GOOD luck to all involved with this new charity fund as it will undoubtedly be a force for good and will not only help other sufferers find the help they so desperately need but will highlight an issue which affects many families across the country (Billy McNeill Fund to be launched for ex-footballers battling dementia, Tuesday).

Billy McNeil was a legend in his lifetime but even in death he will be helping many others who had a passion for sport and even those with no interest in sport – and I am sure this initiative will work across a divide which may exist in football in this country.

JP B2019

IT’S fantastic to see this action taken to support ex-footballers who are battling dementia. Although this is for one specific group, a rising tide lifts all boats and I’m confident that with the amount of “big-name stars” backing this campaign, it can only help raise awareness of neurological disease – an important step.

Billy was much respected on both sides of the Old Firm, so it’s an even more fitting tribute that his legacy will be helping players across the board.

The reflections from his widow Liz were heartbreaking to read... “He did say to me one day, is there something wrong with me? I can’t remember things. And I said to him, ‘I can’t remember things either’.” How can that not drive us to do better?

SB

Glasgow

IN this day and age we’re very guilty of wrapping up our children in cotton wool when they need some hard knocks! I would be the first one to say that. But surely nobody can object to making sure our kids playing football are safe?

Look at America and you can see the risks quick enough. If you need another reason not to watch their “football”, it is a disgrace that so little action is taken by their game’s authorities to tackle an unacceptable rate of brain injuries.

There might not be much profit in it, but that should not stop them setting the right example with their NFL.

Billy’s family, and many others of footballers of that era, have made clear that they feel heading caused Alzheimer’s disease. The science supports them. We can’t get rid of heading in the beautiful game, but we can protect our young people at a vulnerable age.

That’s just common sense. And we know we can’t rely on the SFA alone for action.

Colin Allison

Via email