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Former Scotland boss George Burley 'feeling well' after starting cancer treatment

Burley during his time as Scotland manager
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Former Scotland and Heart of Midlothian manager George Burley says he is taking it “one step at a time” after undergoing initial cancer treatment

The 68-year-old is an Ipswich legend having played in 500 games for the Suffolk club and took charge of 413 games in his time as their manager, a record at the club. In September of this year, the eleven-time Scotland cap announced he had been diagnosed with cancer after feeling unwell and has now been through six cycles of chemotherapy and awaits the next steps in his treatment, which may yet include an operation.

Burley managed Scotland between 2008-09 and at one point had Hearts sitting unbeaten at the top of the Scottish Premiership before his abrupt sacking by madcap owner Vladimir Romanov. He also helped Ipswich Town win both the 1978 FA Cup and 1981 UEFA Cup under Sir Bobby Robson. Burley also had spells as a player at Sunderland, Gillingham, Motherwell, Ayr, Falkirk, and Colchester.

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“It is one step at a time, but at the moment I am feeling well,” Burley said in an interview with BBC Radio Suffolk.

“It was a big shock but my family behind me have been immense – they have supported me and kept me good and very positive. It is scary, but that’s life and there is always somebody worse off than yourself.

“I have always been fairly positive. I had a really bad injury when I was a player and got told in May 1981 that I would never play football again – and I managed to get to the World Cup finals in 82.”