Sherro

I know there are a few footie fans on here, really sad to see the big fella has just been diagnosed with brain cancer that has spread, i wish him and his family all the best, but it doesnt look good.

I used to play in a bar in North London in the 90's and he used to go there with some of his arsenal mates, a really good bloke.

Good luck John !!!!

coolerkingcooler

Didn't know of this, thanks for the post.

Great character, hope he can pull through,
Cooler

NELBHOY

Big John will beat it nae bother!!! He's a real fighter.

I know whenever cancer spreads it doesn't look good, but I heard the Doc is giving him an 80% chance. Our prayers are with you big man!!

scottishcelts

He's a strong boy is oor Big John.

Good luck son

Petals

A lot of people do survive with brain cancer but of course they are not in the news. The longer people survive it the more treatments come on line, in just five years since my daughter was diagnosed and treated lots of different treatments are being used.

What people need to know that there are often no symptoms at all, no headaches, nothing and one day it all happens, for my daughter she fell down with a seizure. As she was only 24 at the time we were absolutely mortified upset and very very worried. That was 2004. Its now 2009 and thank God the whole is still in her head where they removed it

NELBHOY

Big John is critical but stable after a brain op this morning.
Bad news is they have found secondaries on his lungs.
Best wishes big man!!

Broad Shoulders

It is so tragic, was a really good player in his time too.

This article certainly had me wondering where the people at Skysports think his brain is

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...436002,00.html

moneypenny20

He's a guy, they obviously believe what their wives tell them.

Hope he pulls through and lives a good long life. It shouldn't make any difference but it always seems sadder in a vague way when it's a strong, fit athlete.

smudger_scfc

I remember talking to him and his old man whilst queing (and paying)to get in the north bank at Swansea one night (he was playing for Arsenal at the time) and since have spent many a night in his company in pubs and clubs around Swansea, very down to earth lad and a swansea boy at heart. A more passionate and proud fella you will not find.

Was absolutley shocked and gutted to hear about his illness but, thankfully he's awake and improving with every hour that goes by, As it stands it's 1-0 to big John in the biggest challenge of his life, if anybody can beat it JH can.

Keep fighting big fella.

Petals

Very sad sounds like his brain cancer is secondary and that is sad. Primary cancer in the brain does not spread to the body. Unfortunately with most cancer there are no symptoms and we must be vigilant and get regular check ups as if they catch it early people survive.

fraser

Good luck John he was unplayable one season for West Ham he never ever recaptured that same form, but he was always a fighter (ask Eyal Berkovic)

framac67

Me and my eldest (7 or 8 at the time) had our photo taken with him outside Parkhead. When he realised my son was blind, he spent about 20 mins with us gabbing and laughing. A true down to earth gentleman. His picture takes pride of place next to St Martins.(O'Neil not that other other fella fae heaven)

Broad Shoulders

I remember that incident!

mackinnon

They never did explain how Berkovic's head remained on haha.

Seems like a decent big guy, would like to see him make a full recovery. Don't know how he failed a medical at Ibrox before signing for Celtic though. We must have got the jitters after our previous record of signing soon-to-be-seriously-injured players!

Get well soon Big Man.

scottishcelts

Think is was just a weight thing.

You lost out anyway

Look what we got outa him