Bryan Robson faces fight against throat cancer

[Hucknall Ram]

Former Manchester United and England captain Bryan Robson has undergone surgery for throat cancer.

Robson, 54, is currently coaching the Thailand national team and had the operation in Bangkok on 3 March.

"Bryan underwent an operation to remove a tumour from his throat," read a Manchester United statement.

"The laboratory report revealed a cancerous tumour, which will need further treatment. The oncologist is confident the condition is treatable."

Robson is combining his work in Thailand with an ambassadorial position at United and the Old Trafford outfit said he was "fine" to remain in the roles.

The Red Devils added in the statement: "Bryan and his family have requested that he can continue with his treatment in private and ask that their privacy is respected."

Recognised as one of the greatest players of his generation, Robson started his professional career with West Brom in 1974 and scored 40 goals in 198 appearances.

He joined Manchester United for a then British record transfer fee of £1.5m in 1981 and continued to build his reputation as a courageous and talismanic central midfielder.

By the time he left United in 1994, Robson had captained the club to three FA Cups, the 1991 European Cup Winners' Cup and two Premier League titles.

He was also a key man for his country and scored what was - until 2002 - the second-fastest goal in World Cup history, a strike after 27 seconds of England's 3-1 victory over France in 1982.

Robson finished with 90 caps and - 65 as skipper - and was given the nickname 'Captain Marvel' by England's manager at the time Sir Bobby Robson.

He played 27 games for Middlesbrough before taking over as manager at the Riverside, and also led Bradford, West Brom and Sheffield United before succeeding Peter Reid as Thailand coach in September 2009.

But his record so far has been disappointing, with Thailand failing to reach the Asian Cup for the first time since 1988 this year.

They were also knocked out of the Southeast Asian Games and the Southeast Asian championship - competitions they have long dominated - in the opening rounds.

Robson has said he is fully committed to the job, but feels urgent reform in the Thai soccer structure and better cooperation with the domestic league is needed to bring success to the national side.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/12759530.stm