Obituary: Norfolk's 'trailblazing' footballer John Musgrove

John Musgrove, known by many as Muzzy, was born in Leeds in 1949 where his love for football began at an early age.

And as a teenager he went on to play for Sunderland. 

John and Tessa Musgrove married in 2000. (Image: Amy Wellstead) After moving to Norfolk, where Mr Musgrove spent the majority of his career, he achieved impressive success as both a player and an influential coach.

He played for Hobbies United when they won the FA Sunday Cup in 1985 - the only team to have done so in the county. 

And, when Diss Town beat Taunton in the FA Vase at Wembley in 1994, he was the team's assistant manager. 

John Musgrove was the assistant manager for Diss Town when they won the FA Vase in 1994. (Image: Archant) Throughout his career, he managed several teams across the county including Wells and King's Lynn.

Close friend and former footballer Glenn Hoy, described him as an "uncompromising centre-back".

He said: "Muzzy was very talented. He knew what his job was and he did it well.

"But more than that, he was a great friend to so many people. If he could help you, he would. Even after he retired, he continued to help out with club coaching."

But a career on the ball took its toll and in 2016, Mr Musgrove was diagnosed with dementia. Four years later, he suffered a heart attack.

Daughter Amy Wellstead described her father as "the best dad" who, away from football, had a keen ear for soul, reggae and Motown music.

She said: "He went to see the Rolling Stones and I took him to see the Wailers, which he absolutely loved. He also loved being outdoors.

Amy Wellstead described her father as loving the outdoors. (Image: Amy Wellstead) "He was so humble about his football success and such a strong and capable man." 

Paul Sandford, a friend of the family, said: "Muzzy was a trailblazer in the football world; a real football man who introduced many players to new ways of training but always with his own Muzzy mark. Anyone who had crossed paths with Muzzy remembered him.

"He was a great sportsman and a great friend to many and will be sorely missed."

Mr Musgrove died in hospital following his illness on October 15. He was 75.

Dementia and football 

A study authored by the University of Nottingham last year found that former professional players are three times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than the general public.

The results of the study, which was also commissioned by Football Association, brings into question the correlation between the number of headings throughout a player's career and onset of the disease. 

Friend Mr Hoy said: "The footballs John was heading back then were a lot heavier than they are now. 

"There's much more work being done to help protect footballers but there is definitely still more to do." 

John Musgrove also coached the Norwich ladies team. (Image: Amy Wellstead) Mrs Wellstead believes there is a taboo around the issue and wants to raise awareness regarding the links between head contact in football and the illness.

She said: "There needs to be more awareness on the issue because if we can help minimise head trauma, we can help decrease the number of people who are diagnosed.

"Everything thinks dementia is forgetting things but there is more to it. It's a whole change in personality and I think that was something dad struggled with. 

"There are other symptoms that are not as easily recognised like a decline in hygiene or mood swings. If people can see these sooner in their loved ones it could be a lot easier to understand the extent of the illness and care for them better." 

A funeral for Mr Musgrove will be held at GreenAcres in Colney, Norwich, on November 22 where donations towards Football Against Dementia can be made.