Bill Gates: Ex-Middlesbrough defender and inspiration for dementia campaign dies aged 79
- Published
Bill Gates made 293 appearances for Boro and played in the side coached by Jack Charlton alongside Nobby Stiles, Willie Maddren and John Hickton
Former Middlesbrough defender Bill Gates, who inspired a campaign highlighting the links between heading footballs and dementia after his retirement, has died aged 79.
Gates, who was part of Jack Charlton's Division Two promotion-winning side of 1973-74 before he retired aged 30, lived with a progressive brain disease.
Former centre-half Gates was also diagnosed with dementia in 2014.
His wife, Dr Judith Gates, founded the Head for Change charity in response.
"Bill was unique," Dr Gates said. "From the moment of his diagnosis he encouraged his family to set up a charity to protect players of today and tomorrow from the degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive head impacts.
"He asked for a solemn promise and made a personal commitment that together we must do everything to prevent this from happening in the future."
Gates' cognitive decline inspired a new documentary, 'The Billion Pound Game', which is due to open the Tees Valley International Film Festival at Arc, Stockton on Wednesday.
Head coach Michael Carrick told the Boro website:, external "I think I can speak for everyone at the club when I say what sad news this is. On behalf of myself, the players, the staff, and everyone connected with the club, our thoughts are with Bill's family and friends at this time."