The Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has promised that a senior executive from the governing body will meet the widow of former England and West Bromwich Albion striker Jeff Astle over the issue of head injuries in the game.

Astle died in 2002 from brain trauma which a coroner ruled was caused by heading heavy leather balls.

A 10-year study into the effects of heading footballs was commissioned by the FA but was not completed due to the players involved leaving the game early.

Laraine Astle has now received a letter of apology from Dyke for the FA's lack of contact.

Mrs Astle, who lives in Derbyshire, said: "I think about Jeff every day and after waiting 12 years for this apology I just want some closure.

"I want to ask Mr Dyke why it's taking so long to look into this because we just want football to be safer for youngsters coming into the game."

Dyke's letter goes on to state the FA is working with other sports on an education programme to reduce the risk of head injuries.