Former Scotland and Heart of Midlothian manager George Burley has revealed he's undergoing treatment for cancer.
The 68-year-old made the announcement via an Ipswich Town statement, where of course, he is a legendary figure as a former player and manager. He made over 500 appearances as a player for the now-Premier League side, and managed 413 games.
Burley says he's feeling 'much brighter now' after a difficult year, and that he's taking 'positive action' to fight the disease.
Burley said: “After feeling unwell earlier this year, I have recently received a diagnosis and I am taking positive action to fight the disease. It has been a difficult time, but I am feeling much brighter now.
Ipswich Town Football Club can confirm that legendary former player and Manager George Burley is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. We are all behind you, George. 💙
— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) September 10, 2024
"In fact, I am able to get to matches at Portman Road and I am enjoying watching the team playing back in the Premier League.”
Burley, who managed the national team for around a year between 2008 and 2009, was appointed Hearts manager in 2005 and led the team to a fantastic start to the season, winning nine of his first 12 games before his departure from the club in October.
He added: “We are grateful to the club for the support they have shown me and my family and I would ask that everyone is respectful of our privacy at this time.”
Current Town manager Kieran McKenna commented: “This club has had some brilliant managers and George is right up there as one of the very best.
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“It has been a pleasure to get to know George since I arrived at Ipswich. He is a positive and optimistic character, and I know he will also take that attitude into the battle he now faces. We are all right behind him.”
Chairman Mark Ashton added: “Our thoughts are with George, his wife Jill and their family.
"It’s always great to see him here in the directors’ box on a matchday and we will do everything we can to support one of our all-time greats, uniquely as both player and Manager.”
