Tottenham legend Graham Roberts announces prostate cancer diagnosis

Graham Roberts, the former Tottenham Hotspur defender and England international, has announced he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer and is raising funds for prostate cancer research.

Roberts, 66, said on social media that he is receiving radiotherapy and brachytherapy and hopes to join a fundraising effort in October with his daughter. "I'm undergoing radiotherapy treatment and brachytherapy for prostate cancer and would love to raise money for this charity," he wrote. His daughter, Hollie, posted on the Prostate Cancer website that she will take part in Prostate United by walking 5km each day in October and asked supporters to sponsor her to help fund research.

Hollie wrote that her father will try to walk each week after his treatment and highlighted statistics on the disease, saying prostate cancer "kills one man every 45 minutes – that's half a football match. But it doesn't have to be this way." Tottenham posted its support on social media, saying: "We're all behind you Robbo."

Roberts played 278 times for Tottenham between 1980 and 1986. He captained the side in the second leg of the 1984 UEFA Cup final against Anderlecht, scoring the late equaliser that forced extra time and converting Tottenham's first spot-kick in the 4-3 shootout victory. That European triumph was the club's most recent continental trophy until their Europa League success the previous season. He also featured in back-to-back FA Cup-winning teams in 1981 and 1982.

After leaving Spurs, Roberts joined Rangers in 1986, where he won the Scottish Premier League and League Cup. He returned to London to sign for Chelsea in 1988 and was named Chelsea's player of the season as the club won promotion to the First Division as Second Division champions in 1988–89. Roberts earned six caps for England during his playing career and had a brief spell with West Bromwich Albion.

Following his retirement as a player, Roberts moved into management and is remembered for leading Clyde to a Scottish Cup victory over Celtic. The announcement of his diagnosis prompted messages of support from former clubs and fans.

Prostate United is a fundraising initiative that mobilises football fans to support Prostate Cancer UK through organised walks and sponsorship. The charity says funds raised support lifesaving research and support services for men and their families affected by prostate cancer.

Roberts did not provide a timetable for his recovery but indicated his intention to take part in the October fundraising activity as his treatment allows. Tottenham's message of support and his daughter's public appeal reflect growing engagement in football circles with men's health campaigns and cancer research funding.