Astle died as a result of 'industrial disease'

Astle's family have always maintained that his death was caused by repeated heading of the ball and on Monday Coroner Andrew Haigh agreed by telling an inquest in Burton-on-Trent that Astle had died as a result of "industrial disease".

After the inquest, Astle's family said the coroner's verdict had at long last given them 'justice'.

The centre-forward, who won five England caps and played at the 1970 World Cup, collapsed at his daughter's home and died after being taken to the Queen's Hospital, Burton in January this year.

Astle hit 137 goals in 292 league appearances for West Brom and scored the extra-time winner in the 1968 FA Cup final win over Everton.