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Jim Craig Reveals He Has Alzheimer’s Disease

The 83-year-old Celtic legend says his distant memories remain strong while short-term recall has worsened and supporters have launched a fund to honour him.

Overview

  • Jim Craig has publicly disclosed that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2022 and has kept the condition private until now.
  • He says memories of his playing days and family stay clear, but he struggles with recent events and short-term recall.
  • Craig has given up his driving licence and finds matchday travel and navigation difficult, though he still attends games and writes on club history.
  • A group of supporters has formed the Jim Craig Govan Foundation to raise money for a statue in his honour and local fans have offered ongoing support.
  • Craig does not attribute his illness to his playing career or heading heavy balls, a point that sits against wider public debate about neurodegeneration in former footballers.