Former professional footballer Neil Grayson has been diagnosed with both motor neurone disease and dementia, according to Cheltenham Town. The 61-year-old made over 200 appearances for the club between 1998 and 2002, scoring 60 goals. He played a significant role in the club's promotion to the Football League in 1999 and their first ever victory at Millennium Stadium in the 2002 Third Division play-off final.
Northampton Town, where Grayson spent four seasons, also confirmed the news via its official social media channels. The striker netted 36 goals in 166 appearances for the Cobblers and remains a popular figure at Sixfields Stadium. He earned a place in the club's Hall of Fame after helping them reach two Wembley finals in the 1990s.
Grayson continued playing non-league football well into his fifties before retiring recently. Both Cheltenham and Northampton have expressed their support for Grayson and his family following the news. Supporters of his former clubs have started fundraising efforts to assist with his ongoing care and medical costs, per Gloucestershire Live.
