BRISTOL ROVERS legend Ian Alexander has been given just “two to six years to live” after being diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The Scot, 61, played nearly 400 games during his professional career, representing Rovers between 1986 and 1994.
Despite keeping himself fit in retirement, Alexander has suffered a sharp decline in his health this year.
The former defender suffered at least four significant concussions during his player career, which is said to have contributed to his CTE.
Following an email from the Bristol Rovers Former Players Association earlier this year, Alexander put himself forward for medical examinations.
And he has since opened up on his condition to The Guardian.
He said: “The doctors gave me two to six years, but they say I’m quite fit. I’m not going to give in. I’m going to fight it till the end.
“I’ve got a good team around me with my wife and kids. And once the word gets out to Rovers fans I’ll have them behind me too.”
Chronic headaches and tremors have led to Alexander struggling for sleep, with wife Janet believing that her husband could be diagnosed with dementia.
Such a diagnosis would enable Alexander to receive further medication, with his pain-relief currently limited to paracetamol.
In addition to his headaches, the Scot has also been forced to follow a soft-foods diet, due to the risk of swallowing his tongue.
He has also been unable to attend some matches at his beloved Bristol Rovers because of the potential of an anxiety attack.
Following former Aston Villa European Cup winner Colin Gibson’s lead, Alexander has revealed that he is one of around 20 former players taking legal action against the FA.
Each player sustained significant brain injuries during their playing careers, which they believe have contributed to further health issues in later life.
Alexander insists that he is not interested in financial gain from the matter, and that raising awareness is more important for him.
Beyond his playing career, he worked as a painter and decorator.
When he began having issues with his memory, however, he had to quit.
And despite relaying his symptoms to doctors, he was told that he was merely feeling the effects of “old age” – despite being just in his 50s.
On how head injuries were dealt with during his career, Alexander shockingly revealed: “I nearly died on the pitch once. Right from the kick-off the ball was played up to me, and a centre-half came out of nowhere and smashed me.
“There was a clash of heads and the next thing I remember is being in hospital. I’d swallowed my tongue and half my denture plate. They told me I was about 20 or 30 seconds away from death.
“That happened on a Saturday and I was training again by Wednesday. I was supposed to play the next Saturday, but Gerry (Francis) said he’d give me another week off so it was a fortnight before I came back.
“I didn’t think about the risks. It was my job, wasn’t it? You took the knocks, got on with it, and went again. Now it’s all coming to light.”
