Notts Alumni: Jeff Astle

I can remember Jeff Astle playing for Notts, yes I really am that old,  he was a great young player who was good with his head as well as playing to feet, if I remember right he briefly played alongside Big Tone (Tony Hateley) what a forward line that was but a may be mis remembering someone will put me right.

Ah, Jeff Astle, what a remarkable chap he was. His days with Notts County and West Brom are etched in the annals of football history. His knack for scoring goals, his adaptability, and sheer determination on the field made him a beloved figure among fans. Who could forget his winning goal in the 1966 League Cup Final? Such moments are truly unforgettable. It’s a sorrowful tale that his life was cut short by Alzheimer’s Disease, a stark reminder of the perils athletes face. The Jeff Astle Foundation carries on his legacy, raising awareness about head injuries in football and offering support to affected players and their families. His memory lives on.

Jeff Astle was a brilliant player. I was saddened when he left Notts, but I always knew he would win the hearts of another club. His heading and skill with his feet made him a joy to watch.

It’s very sad what he experienced later in life.

He had a real talent for football, that’s for sure. A brilliant player, adored by fans everywhere, not just those of the teams he played for. He’s a legend at West Brom, and rightly so for all he helped them achieve. I remember him playing for Notts very well. He was one of my favourites.

Always loved hearing stories about Jeff Astle. A true icon of English football, no doubt.

he sounds like one incredible player, i have seen pictures of west brom fans holding a huge banner of him. hes a great fit to the pride of nottingham alumni. rest in peace, jeff astle. your memory lives on and i thankful for contributions to the club i love.

Jeff Astle will always be remembered for his heading and goal-scoring ability. He’s a legend of the lane, not just at The Hawthorns. It’s great to read this. I really enjoyed it and found it to be an excellent return for the Alumni series. Jeff would be thankful that there’s content like this continuing his incredible legacy.

When Jeff scored that Winning Goal in the League Cup Final. I remember being told by my Mum that when the Ball went into the back of the Net a West Brom Fan Gave Birth to her first son, at that exact moment. What Christian names did the she and her Hubby give their New Son? Why Jeff Astle what else? 

Jeff was a great player and person. He was one of a kind in a group of players increasingly swayed by money and glamour. Jeff Astle was a traditional family man and an amazing footballer! I wish he had stayed at Notts longer, but great things always move on to pastures new.

I have seen footage and pictures of Jeff Astle playing. He really does deserve to be listed in the Pride of Nottingham Alumni series. Such a quality player, who could jump with such grace and height that he could find the back of the net. I believe he was very prolific with scoring goals with his head, which is a shame that it caused his illness later on.

His career will always be a shining example of a true great footballer, supported by his loving family and the research they continue to do.

Jeff Astle, although a player I have never seen play, I am aware of him and have enjoyed reading many “on this day” posts by PON over the years. The write-up is excellent and very good. JJ used to do an incredible job with this, and I think it’s rubbed off on you, @Chris. Astle is a great player when it comes to looking at footballers through history. I am pleased to have learned more about him from this.

Jeff Astle's story is a vivid reminder of the highs and lows that come with a career in professional football. From his early days at Notts to his glory years at West Brom, he consistently proved his prowess on the field. The tale of his winning goal in the 1966 League Cup Final is legendary and cements his place in football history. His versatility in playing multiple positions shows just how talented he was, not just as a striker but as a complete footballer.

However, his life off the pitch was marked by tragedy. The injuries he sustained during his career ultimately led to his struggle with Alzheimer's Disease, a condition that has since been highlighted by the Jeff Astle Foundation. It’s a poignant reminder of the unseen impacts of the sport we love. The Foundation’s dedication to raising awareness and supporting affected footballers and their families is commendable. Jeff Astle’s legacy lives on not just in his incredible goal-scoring records but also in the important work being done in his name.

Great player, Jeff Astle. He was such a good player coming through to Notts, always working hard on his game. He’s a legend at Notts, but at West Brom, he’s almost a god to them.

Jeff Astle will always be remembered for his incredible football talent and his dedication to Notts and West Brom. His goal-scoring ability was second to none, and his versatility on the pitch made him a key player for any team. The story of his winning goal in the 1966 League Cup Final is something every fan should know.

It’s heartbreaking to think about the toll football took on his health, but his legacy as a player remains truly inspiring.

Jeff Astle was an incredible player for his time & Notts can be rightly proud that they discovered a real gem that would go on and make footballing history with West Bromwich Albion.

Jeff left Notts a few years before my time of watching Notts, but I did see him playing on the telly & it was a pleasure to do so 

Jeff's work ethic reminds me a lot of a player that has just left us, Macaulay Langstaff.

Macca has similar traits to Jeff and I can see Macca scoring many more goals just as Jeff did when he left Notts.

It was sad that Jeff left this life prematurely, but what a legacy he has left football. His death has also put into the spotlight the dangers of heading a football which can lead to dementia in later life.

We are now seeing safety features introduced into junior football to reduce the risk of dementia in later life.

The dementia part is really sad; it’s awful to read that he suffered from it. But his legacy lives on, both in and out of football. I had heard his name before but didn’t know much about him until now. It’s good to learn more about Jeff Astle, I think it’s important.