Former Newcastle United manager reveals cancer diagnosis - opens up on recovery
Chris Hughton managed Newcastle United to promotion at the first time of asking n 2009-10.
Former Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, the 67-year-old has opened up about dealing with the initial diagnosis. Hughton - who coached the Magpies to promotion 16 years ago - has made a full recovery since undergoing successful surgery in May.
Toon fans hold a special place in their heart for Hughton due to his efforts in the 2009-10 Championship-winning campaign. In his first managerial role, he galvanised a despondent Magpies squad to the promised land at the first time of asking.
Upon reaching the top flight, Hughton masterminded emphatic victories over Aston Villa and Sunderland at St James' Park before brutally being given the boot as the club sat 12th in the Premier League. He later managed Birmingham City, Brighton, Norwich City and Nottingham Forest.
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Chris Hughton opens up
Speaking about his recent health scare, Hughton said: "The news certainly didn't scare me. I know everyone is different, but my first impression was 'I'll be fine'. I didn't instantly think 'This is probably just going to kill me'. I just thought, 'OK, we'll have to do what we have to do'."
"I had very good advice and all the treatment options were given to me, and I decided to have my prostate removed. The recovery has gone really well. I'm one year post-operation and I feel good. It's all gone very well. I've got a lot of energy."
Chris Hughton on Newcastle United
In 2011, shortly after his sacking, Hughton perfectly described how much football means to the city of Newcastle. He said: “It’s a fantastic club and I think, when you’ve spent the amount of time in the game that I have and you’ve been up there on numerous occasions, experienced what it holds up there, the supporters, the stadium, I think you have to be there to really realise what it means to the people up there.
“They have a support that will tell you it as it is, a magnificent support that will get behind you 100 per cent and push the team on. But they’re also a support that if they don’t like what they see, they can be very vocal and they see it as very much their club.
“You only have to walk around the city centre and you don’t see any other shirts. If you live in Newcastle, you support Newcastle. You feel that and I felt it one hundred percent.”
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