Hull City legend Dean Windass has admitted he is no longer in contact with his two sons and has made an emotional public plea to Wrexham star Josh for reconciliation
Dean Windass(Image: MDM)
Dean Windass has issued a heartfelt public plea to his estranged son Josh, drawing parallels between their strained relationship and Brooklyn Beckham’s reported fallout with parents David and Victoria. The Hull City icon has opened up after revealing he’s lost touch with both his sons, describing the situation as “breaking my heart”.
His remarks follow Josh’s continued success in the limelight at Championship outfit Wrexham, where he’s established himself as a crucial player since joining the Hollywood-backed club last summer. Dean, 56, acknowledged that keeping his dementia diagnosis from his children was a significant factor in the breakdown, explaining he thought he was shielding them at the time.
In a frank interview on the Clutch 9 podcast, sponsored by Betway, he said: “I don’t speak to my two kids now, but probably because it’s my own fault as well…not telling them about the diagnosis because I didn’t want to worry them. Josh is in the public eye.
“I was trying to do the right thing but then it’s backfired on me and it’s breaking my heart. I put a post on Twitter the other day about, ‘please get in touch, Josh’ because of what’s gone on and it’s killing me.
“One and a half million viewers saw it, but I thought it’s the only way I can get in contact because he’s not answering the phone. I don’t know where lives, he’s moved to Wrexham.
“My youngest son doesn’t talk to me now because of other things that have gone on so my two kids don’t talk to me. I think, ‘what have I done that’s that bad? I’m not that bad.'”
He continued: “Josh is very successful now and has got a wife and my granddaughter. I haven’t seen my granddaughter for a year and it hurts. I look at Brooklyn Beckham in the paper the other day and think, ‘life’s too short’. So if Josh does watch this, please ring me, because he’s my little boy.”
Windass’ remarks come after a similarly emotional appeal he made publicly last week on Josh’s 32nd birthday, as Wrexham geared up to face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup. Posting on X, the ex-Premier League striker penned: “Just want to wish my Josh happy 32nd birthday. Gd luck tonight against Nottingham Forest in the FA cup from a very proud DAD. Miss yeh. Life’s too short Josh, this is breaking my heart. Please get in touch.”
Josh played a key role in the thrilling third-round match at the Racecourse Ground, entering as a second-half substitute and scoring in the penalty shootout as Wrexham shocked Premier League Forest 4-3 on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra time. He was later spotted in ecstatic celebrations as goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo clinched the upset.
Dean remains a beloved figure at Hull City following his unforgettable strike in the 2008 Championship play-off final at Wembley. Since hanging up his boots, he has established himself as a well-known pundit on television and has been candid about his experiences in retirement.
In January last year, Windass disclosed that he had been diagnosed with dementia, an illness he has confessed deeply worries him. It subsequently came to light that Josh was oblivious to the diagnosis until a Sheffield Wednesday colleague mentioned it casually.
Speaking to The Sun in March 2025, Josh said: “I found out in a coffee shop. Max [Lowe] said, ‘Sorry to hear about your dad’s dementia’ and I thought, ‘Oh, that’s news to me.'”
Josh indicated at the time that communication between them was sporadic, noting that he spoke “sometimes” to his brother, who was monitoring their father. He mentioned that Dean still recognised his name and was “sound”, despite the diagnosis.
Dean has subsequently emerged as a prominent advocate for increased awareness surrounding dementia and the lasting effects of heading footballs, frequently addressing the emotional burden the condition has placed upon him. Josh, for his part, continues to concentrate on his football at Wrexham, where he has registered seven goals and four assists as the side pursues a Championship play-off spot.
Watch the full interview on the Clutch9 podcast, powered by Betway