‘Next 24 hours critical for Best’s survival’

THE next 24 hours will be critical for football legend George Best’s survival, the doctor treating him said last night.

Professor Roger Williams said Best, 59, was stable but had made no significant improvement since he was placed on a ventilator.

He said: “He is holding, that’s what I can say. His condition really hasn’t changed since yesterday.”

But he added: “But I would like to have seen some very definite improvement in this last 24 hours.

“So I think the next 24 hours is going to be critical as to whether he’s going to make it or not.”

Prof Williams added that Best’s family were saying “swear words, good words, bad words, anything to poke a reaction from him”, but Best remained heavily sedated and was not communicating with those around him. The former Manchester United star’s son Calum had not been seen at the Cromwell Hospital, London, during the day.

Prof Williams said the family were unlikely to be faced with the tough question of deciding whether treatment should continue for him.

“I would imagine the situation will resolve itself naturally, that’s what normally happens.”

The ex-Northern Ireland player was admitted to the hospital on October 1 suffering from flu-like infections.

His health deteriorated rapidly at the beginning of this month when he developed a kidney infection.