Cash row over soccer legend book

Willie Maddren died after a battle with motor neurone disease

A cash crisis has scuppered plans to publish a book celebrating the life of Teesside footballer Willie Maddren.

The heartbroken sister of the Middlesbrough star has criticised the business community on Teesside for snubbing the memory of her brother.

Maddren died in 2000, aged 49, after a five-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Clare McGregor has hit out at small businesses, who she says have refused to help her get the book published.

Mrs McGregor says despite sending out more than 60 letters to small businesses in the area asking for help, she has received just six replies.

But the Federation of Small Businesses defended its members, claiming times were tough and many were finding it hard to survive.

Willie was a good ambassador for football, but in the present circumstances I think she is fighting a losing battle Colin Stratton, Federation of Small Businesses

Mrs McGregor said: "I am very, very hurt at the moment. He was an icon around this area and if they can't just give a few pounds.

"All the money would go towards my book, which is about Haverton Hill, where Willie was spotted.

"He was idolised by the people of Haverton Hill and they have donated quite a lot.

"If these businesses had seen the way my brother died, I think they would think again."

Neurological condition

Colin Stratton, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses on Teesside said: "I think Mrs McGregor is banging her head against a brick wall.

"Small businesses at the moment have a problem keeping their heads above water.

"Willie was a good ambassador for football, but in the present circumstances I think she is fighting a losing battle."

Researchers from the Italian Higher Institute of Health began an investigation into possible links between heading the ball and the motor neurone disease which killed Mr Maddren.

Maddren's widow Hilary, said her husband always felt there was a connection between his football and the neurological condition.

Football Association officials launched their own study, looking at 24,000 footballers, and found a disproportionately high incidence of motor neurone disease compared with the rest of the population.