Tottenham legend Graham Roberts reveals prostate cancer diagnosis
Former England defender, 66, says he is undergoing radiotherapy and brachytherapy and will support a charity walk with his daughter
Graham Roberts, the former Tottenham Hotspur defender and England international, has revealed he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer and is supporting a fundraising walk with his daughter.
Roberts, 66, wrote on social media that he is receiving radiotherapy and brachytherapy and asked supporters to donate to Prostate Cancer. He said he will take part in walking efforts to raise money while his daughter, Hollie, joins Prostate United by walking 5km each day in October.
On the Prostate Cancer website, Hollie Roberts described her father’s treatment and appealed for sponsorship, writing: "My dad Graham Roberts is currently undergoing radiotherapy treatment and brachytherapy for prostate cancer." She added: "Prostate cancer kills one man every 45 minutes – that's half a football match. But it doesn't have to be this way. This October, I'm joining Prostate United by walking, 5km every day with my fellow football fans to help save men's lives. Dad is also going to try and walk each week as well after his treatment. Sponsor me to help fund lifesaving research for men and their families affected by this disease. Thank you."
Tottenham posted a message of support on social media, saying: "We're all behind you Robbo." Roberts asked fans to donate to the charity campaign as he undergoes treatment.
Roberts made 278 appearances for Tottenham between 1980 and 1986 and was part of the club's successful side in the early 1980s. He scored in the second leg of the 1984 UEFA Cup final, helping force extra time, and converted Tottenham's first penalty in the shootout as the side prevailed 4-3. He also featured in Tottenham teams that won back-to-back FA Cups in 1981 and 1982.
After leaving Spurs in 1986 he joined Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premier League and League Cup, and later returned to London to play for Chelsea. He was Chelsea's Player of the Season as the club won the Second Division title in 1988-89. Roberts earned six caps for England and had a brief spell with West Bromwich Albion.
Following his playing career, Roberts moved into management and is remembered for leading Clyde to a Scottish Cup victory over Celtic, one of the notable shocks in his managerial tenure.
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men. Roberts’s fundraising involvement with Prostate United seeks to support research and services aimed at earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. The campaign's public appeal and the involvement of former players aim to raise awareness among football fans and the wider public.
Roberts’s announcement comes amid continued public discussion about men’s health and cancer screening. He and his daughter have asked those wishing to support them to donate through the charity’s campaign page and to follow updates on his condition and their fundraising efforts.
Tottenham and former teammates offered messages of encouragement following the announcement. Roberts’s family said he will continue treatment and take part in walking challenges as he is able, while the October campaign proceeds as planned.