Ipswich Town: Former player and manager George Burley undergoing cancer treatment

Ipswich Town has announced former legendary player and manager George Burley is undergoing treatment for cancer.

The 68-year-old, who lives in Ipswich, played for the Tractor Boys from 1973 to 1985 before going on to manage the club between 1994 and 2002.

With 500 appearances as a player and 413 games in charge, no person has been more involved in the Blues’ history than Burley.

He 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.

“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.”

In addition to his time with the Blues, Burley also played for Sunderland, Gillingham, Motherwell, Ayr United, Falkirk and Colchester United, having won 11 full Scotland caps while with Town.

As a manager, he coached clubs including Crystal Palace, Hearts and Southampton.

He was the last manager to guide Ipswich to Premier League promotion before current boss Kieran McKenna did so last season.

McKenna said: “This club has had some brilliant managers and George is right up there as one of the very best.

“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.”

Club chairman and CEO 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.”