Dean Windass has made a heartfelt plea to his son Josh ahead of Wrexham’s FA Cup clash against Nottingham Forest
Hull City legend Dean Windass has issued a heartfelt plea for his son Josh to contact him(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Dean Windass has made a heartbreaking public plea to his son Josh on his 32nd birthday, saying their lack of contact is “breaking my heart” ahead of Wrexham’s FA Cup clash with Nottingham Forest. Hull City legend Dean took to social media on Friday to wish Josh well ahead of the third-round tie at the Racecourse Ground, but his message quickly turned into an emotional appeal for his son to get in touch.
Posting on X, he wrote: “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 is expected to be involved for Wrexham as they host Premier League opponents Forest, with the Red Dragons hoping to cause another famous cup upset. Dean, 56, is a cult hero at Hull after scoring one of the most iconic goals in the club’s history in the 2008 Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Since retiring, he has remained a popular figure in the game, regularly appearing on TV as a pundit and speaking candidly about his life after football. It was revealed in January last year that the former Premier League striker had been diagnosed with dementia, a condition he has since admitted frightens him.
However, it later emerged that Josh was unaware of his father’s diagnosis until a Sheffield Wednesday teammate mentioned it to him in passing.
READ MORE: Is Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest on TV? Kick-off time, channel, streaming and how to watchREAD MORE: Sean Dyche makes feelings crystal clear to Ryan Reynolds on Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson
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 appeared to indicate at the time that they were not in regular contact, adding that he spoke “sometimes” to his brother, who was keeping an eye on Dean. He also said his dad still knew his name and was “sound”, despite the diagnosis.
Dean Windass made an emotional plea to his son Josh on social media(Image: X/DWindass10)
Dean has since become a vocal advocate for greater awareness around dementia and the dangers of heading footballs, speaking openly about the emotional toll the condition has taken on him. Josh, meanwhile, is focused on his career with Wrexham after joining the ambitious Welsh club last summer.
The former Sheffield Wednesday and Rangers forward has been an important figure as Wrexham push to establish themselves at Championship level, contributing seven goals and four assists since his arrival. Speculation emerged surrounding his future in December, with reports suggesting interest from Rangers, where Josh previously enjoyed two seasons north of the border.
Dean himself appeared to acknowledge those rumours with a cryptic social media post, underlining how closely he continues to follow his son’s career. Despite their strained relationship, Dean has spoken in the past about the overwhelming pride he felt watching Josh play for the Scottish giants, describing emotional moments at Ibrox that left him in tears.
Wrexham star Josh Windass only found out about his dad’s dementia diagnosis via a teammate(Image: Getty Images)
He said: “When I first went to watch him at Glasgow Rangers I was the proudest man. People say when I scored the goal at Wembley that my dad was the proudest man in Hull. I went, ‘Yeah whatever’. I realise now. My dad’s not here anymore.
“I think it was the Aberdeen game when they played at Ibrox. When I went there and they started singing Penny Arcade and that…I’m a cry baby, me, and I had tears in my eyes.
“Watching my son walking out for one of the biggest clubs in the country, with the best fanbase that you’ll probably ever meet in your life – I was so proud.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
