Albion legend Bryan Robson battling cancer

West Bromwich Albion and England legend Bryan Robson is battling cancer.

The current Thailand manager, aged 54, had an operation to remove a tumour from his throat on March 3 in a Bangkok hospital.

A Manchester United spokesperson said: "At this moment, Bryan is fine to continue with his role as Thailand coach and his role as ambassador of Manchester United.

"Bryan and family have requested that he can continue with his treatment in private and ask that their privacy is respected."

A laboratory report revealed a cancerous tumour which will need further treatment.

Bryan Robson's West Bromwich career in pictures here.

The Reds' spokesman added that surgeons were 'confident' the condition could be treated.

Robson made his Albion debut in 1974 and went on to make 198 appearances for the Baggies scoring 40 goals before leaving for Manchester United in 1981.

While at The Hawthorns he made the first of 90 appearances for England for whom he scored 26 goals in an outstanding career.

He returned to the club as manager in 2004 when he masterminded the club's 'Great Escape' when Albion became the first club to have been bottom of the Premier League at Christmas and then stay up.

He left the club in 2006.

Former Albion manager Ron Atkinson, who worked with Robson at The Hawthorns and Old Trafford, this afternoon expressed his shock at the news.

The Express & Star columnist said: "I'm really shocked to hear the news about Bryan and my thoughts are with him and his family at this time.

"He was a real fighter as a player and a man I am sure he won't let it beat him.

"Bryan came back from a number of injuries as a player and showed great strength and character to battle back from them so we all hope he can do the same here.

"Hopefully they have caught the cancer early and I wish him as speedy recovery as possible. I am sure everyone has their fingers crossed for him."

A West Bromwich Albion Club Spokesman said: "Everyone at the club is sad to hear about Bryan's illness.

"He has his place in Hawthorns folklore as one of Albion's finest players and he is fondly remembered for guiding the Baggies to the 'Great Escape' as manager in 2005.

"Bryan has always been a fiercely determined character and the club would like to wish him a speedy recovery."