By BBC (Sports) | Created at 2024-11-12 20:55:37 | Updated at 2024-11-18 08:32:59
5 days ago
Harvey Bell/BBC
George Burley, pictured at the weekend, said his family's support had been "immense" during his cancer diagnosis and treatment
Ipswich Town legend George Burley says he is "feeling well" after his initial treatment for cancer.
The former Scotland manager 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 side between 1994 and 2002.
In an interview with BBC Radio Suffolk he said he had undergone chemotherapy and was awaiting details of the next stage of treatment, adding: "It's one step at a time, but at the moment I’m feeling well."
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George Burley played for Ipswich during their highly successful era during the late 70s and early 80s
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 tumour had seemed to have gone well and he was meeting specialists this week to discuss an operation date.
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George Burley, pictured here ahead of Ipswich's game against Birmingham City in 2001, managed the club for eight years
Burley said: "It was a big shock but my family behind me have been immense - they've supported me and kept me good and very positive.
"It is scary, but that's life and there's always somebody worse off than yourself.
"I've always been fairly positive. I had a really bad injury when I was a player and got told in May 1981 that I would never play football again.
"I managed to get to the World Cup finals in '82."
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 lead Ipswich to the top flight before current manager Kieran McKenna last season.
In the club statement about Burley's diagnosis, Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton described him as "one of our all-time greats, uniquely as both player and manager".
'Excellent performances'
Burley, who lives in Ipswich, said although it had been a "difficult time", he was trying to keep lively and fit as well as focussing on eating healthily.
He had also been able to return to playing golf and had attended every Ipswich home game this season.
Burley said he had received support locally and from figures in the game, including text messages from some current Ipswich players and McKenna.
He said he had also been heartened by the Tractor Boys' form, especially their 2-1 win away to Tottenham at the weekend.
"Their performances have been excellent," he said.
"It's about making good performances and I haven't been panicking because the team have been playing really well and there's improvement every week.
"I've got every confidence that we get to stay in the Premiership this season."
