Ex-Brighton boss Hughton reveals cancer diagnosis

Former Brighton and Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April last year.

The cancer was detected early and he had successful surgery in May.

"The news certainly didn't scare me," the 67-year-old told the Daily Mail., external

"I know everyone is different, but my first impression was 'I'll be fine'. I didn't instantly think 'this is probably just going to kill me'. I just thought, 'OK, we'll have to do what we have to do'."

During his playing career full-back Hughton most notably represented Tottenham, making 398 appearances for the north London club and winning a Uefa Cup and two FA Cups in the early 1980s.

He ended his career with West Ham and Brentford, and won 53 caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Hughton then moved into management, where he guided both Newcastle and Brighton to promotion to the Premier League.

He also had spells in charge of Birmingham, Norwich and Nottingham Forest, and was most recently manager of Ghana.

"I had very good advice and all the treatment options were given to me, and I decided to have my prostate removed. The recovery has gone really well," he added.

"I'm one year post-operation and I feel good. It's all gone very well. I've got a lot of energy."

Prostate Cancer UK chief executive Laura Kerby said: "Chris' story is ultimately a positive one. But it's also a timely reminder of the dangers of prostate cancer and we thank him for sharing his story in the football community, and helping men.

"Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, and it's still the only major cancer without a screening programme. It doesn't give you signs or symptoms in its earlier stages when it's more treatable, so awareness is everything."