Ipswich legend George Burley ‘feeling good’ after cancer treatment

Ipswich Town legend George Burley says he is “feeling good” after his initial cancer treatment.

Former Scotland manager He issued a statement through his former club in September to share the news of his diagnosis of an undisclosed form of the disease.

Burley, 68, played for Ipswich from 1973 to 1985, making more than 500 appearances before managing the team between 1994 and 2002.

In an interview with BBC Radio Suffolk he said he had undergone chemotherapy and was waiting for details about the next stage of treatment, adding: “It’s one step at a time, but at the moment I feel good.”

The former defender said he was diagnosed with cancer after feeling unwell for a few months.

He said six cycles of chemotherapy to shrink his tumor seemed to have gone well and he would meet with specialists this week to discuss an operation date.

Burley said: “It was a huge shock but my family behind me have been huge – they have supported me and kept me well and very positive.

“It’s scary, but that’s life and there is always someone worse off than yourself.

“I have always been quite positive. I had a very serious injury when I was a player and in May 1981 I was told I would never play football again.

“I managed to get to the ’82 World Cup.”

Burley also played for Sunderland, Gillingham, Motherwell, Ayr United, Falkirk, Motherwell and Colchester United.

He managed eight clubs, including Crystal Palace, Hearts and Southampton, and was the last manager to take Ipswich to the top flight before current manager Kieran McKenna last season.

In the club’s statement on Burley’s diagnosis, Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton described him as “one of our all-time greats, exceptionally as a player and coach”.

Burley, who lives in Ipswich, said although it had been a “difficult time”, he was trying to stay upbeat and fit, as well as focusing on eating healthily.

He was also able to play golf again and attended all of Ipswich’s home games this season.

Burley said he had received support locally and from figures in the game, including text messages from some current Ipswich and McKenna players.

He said he had also been encouraged by the Tractor Boys’ form, especially their 2-1 win over Tottenham at the weekend.

“Their performances have been excellent,” he said.

“It’s about putting in good performances and I haven’t panicked because the team has been playing very well and there is improvement every week.

“I have every confidence that we will be able to stay in the Premiership this season.”