Dick Campbell fights kidney cancer

Published on Wednesday 2 March 2011 18:44

VETERAN Scottish football manager Dick Campbell has vowed to fight kidney cancer with the determination he's shown throughout his career to date.

The 58-year-old Forfar Athletic manager is to begin treatment for the disease later this week, with his twin brother and assistant manager Ian stepping up to take his place in the dugout.

The former Partick Thistle, Dunfermline, Brechin and Ross County manager said he has been inundated with messages of support since the news of his fight became public, and said he would fight the disease head on with the positive approach and determination that brought him success throughout his career.

He said: "They have caught it by accident and I will find out more later this week, but it's treatable and, if they want a fight against this, I will give them a fight. I'm totally shell-shocked for myself and everyone close to me, but I'm a positive guy - I always have been and that is how I will deal with this."

While Dick receives treatment, his brother Ian will be backed up by experienced coaches John Young and John Ritchie at the club.

The Fife-born manager, who started his managerial career at Cowdenbeath 24 years ago, said he needs to focus on the battle ahead of him.

He added: "The main issue for me is to build up my strength so I can deal with whatever is in front of me the best way I can."

The manager has received strong support from his Station Park chairman Neil Wilson, who himself has staged a courageous comeback from throat cancer.

Dick's feat of landing a glamour Scottish cup tie against Rangers in 2009 proved an unlikely spur in the chairman's personal fightback.

Wilson said: "When Dick has his appointment later this week he will know what is in front of him, but he just has to stay positive and it goes without saying that he has the best wishes of everybody at Forfar in fighting this.

"If his situation is anything like the one I faced then I know he will be getting the best of treatment and I know Dick will deal with this in as positive a way as possible. His wife and boys may be the ones that will need support and I am sure they will receive that."

Messages of support for the manager have been posted on football forums, including that of his former side Dunfermline.

One poster wrote: "All the best to Dick in the fight of his life. Every time I've met him he's not been anything other than a top bloke." Another posted: "Awful news. Keep fighting Dick. Get well soon."

A post on a Partick forum read: "Would like to add my best wishes for a quick and full recovery. Must be a dreadfully difficult time for Dick and his family so really hope everything goes well."