John Deehan has been living with Alzheimer's Disease for six years, his family announced.
Between 1975 and 1990 he made over 400 top-flight appearances.
Linda Deehan, John Deehan's wife, said that her husband has been battling a neurodegenerative disease for several years.
John has good days and bad days. He tries to continue to live and enjoy a normal life, however almost every day we are confronted with a new challenge.
According to a study by Glasgow University, former professional football players are three and a half times more likely to die with dementia than people of the same age range.
Deehan helped Villa win the 1977 League Cup, and also won the trophy with Norwich City in 1985. He was on the coaching staff at Carrow Road when the team finished third in the first season of the premier league.
Linda Deehan said her husband still loves football.
If you see him at a match or elsewhere, don't be afraid to talk to him. She said that John still loves to talk about football and share a laugh even though he may not be able to.
Chris Sutton, who was coached by Deehan at the club, was the first to support the cause.
Chris's father died in 2020 after battling dementia.
Eadie shared his support for Deehan.
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