Bryan Robson backed to beat cancer
Former colleagues today backed Albion great Bryan Robson to win his battle with throat cancer.
Former colleagues today backed Albion great Bryan Robson to win his battle with throat cancer.
Ex-managers and team-mates reacted with shock to news that Robson, aged 54, has been treated for a tumour in his throat.
But former Baggies manager Ron Atkinson and Johnny Giles and ex-Hawthorns team-mates John Wile, Derek Statham and Tony Brown backed him to battle the disease.
Express & Star columnist Atkinson said: "I'm really shocked to hear the news about Bryan and my thoughts are with him and his family.
"He was a real fighter as a player and a man and I am sure he won't let it beat him.
"Bryan came back from a number of injuries as a player and showed great strength and character to battle back from them, so we all hope he can do the same here.
"He was one of the most complete players who I ever managed and a real inspirational player."
Robson had surgery on March 3 in Bangkok, where he is working as coach of Thailand. The 54-year-old also remains an ambassador for Manchester United, who confirmed the news of his illness today.
Ex-Albion captain Wile said: "I was shocked at the news but my first thought was that, if there is a battle to be won, there is no-one I would back to win it more than Bryan.
"I played alongside him for a long time and there weren't many people or obstacles that overcame him.
"I am sure he will approach this in exactly the same manner."
Former left-back Statham, who played alongside Robson for the Baggies, said: "We will all have our fingers crossed that he will make a full recovery.
"If anyone can beat it then it will be Bryan, because that is the kind of character he is."
Johnny Giles, who played alongside and managed Robson at the Hawthorns, said: "I am very sad to hear the news but I have my fingers crossed that he can get successful treatment.
"I wish him all the best for a speedy recovery. He was a great player."
Albion legend Tony 'Bomber' Brown, a friend and former team-mate, added: "There is no bigger fighter and winner than Bryan.
"He is in the thoughts and prayers of all the former players."
