Former Newcastle Utd manager Sir Bobby Robson today revealed he is to undergo brain surgery to remove a brain tumour. The 73-year-old was taken ill while watching Ipswich two weeks ago and was suspected to have suffered a stroke.
Extensive tests carried out since have revealed a "very small tumour", believed to be the size of a grape, which will be removed on Wednesday.
He is expected to make a full recovery.
Robson: "I had a scan to assess why I felt unwell and had to leave the game at Ipswich early, and the doctors discovered a small, operable tumour that caused an affliction on the left side of my face.
"On Wednesday I will have an operation to remove the tumour and, as surgeons tell me the rest of my body is clean, I should be able to make a full recovery.
"The tumour is in my brain, which sounds bad, but it is in a position where it can be removed easily and it's extremely small - the size of a grape - which indicates they have caught it early.
"Apart from the funny turn at the match I have felt great, so it's a bit annoying that I have to go into hospital again. Having successfully fought cancer three times, I am confident of getting through this as well."