WEST HAM ICON LUDEK MIKLOSKO DIES AGED 64 AS TRIBUTES POUR IN

 

Ludek Miklosko has passed away (Image: Getty)

West Ham United have confirmed that former goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died at the age of 64, after a brave battle with cancer. He made 373 appearances during eight years at the club.

In a statement, the club wrote: "Everyone at West Ham United is deeply saddened by the passing of Ludek Miklosko at the age of 64, following a courageous battle with cancer.

"The hugely popular former goalkeeper, known fondly as ‘Ludo’ to the Claret and Blue Army, made 373 appearances for the club during eight years as No1 between 1990 and 1997.

"The incredible impact he had on the club and the fondness with which he is remembered is heard every matchday, when supporters sing his iconic ‘My name is Ludek Miklosko, I come from near Moscow, I play in goal for West Ham’ chant."

In an emotional statement on the club's website, Miklosko's son Martin said: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of my Dad Luděk, following a brave and courageous battle with cancer.

“On behalf of my Mum and my family, I would like to sincerely thank the fans and everyone at West Ham United Football Club for the kind wishes, thoughts and prayers that were sent to my Dad during his illness.

“We know that the many messages and wishes from his former teammates and fans alike were a huge sense of comfort to him in his battle with cancer, and gave him the strength to not give up and keep fighting for as long as he could.

“We are heartbroken at his loss, but take huge comfort from the immense support he received from all of you, along with the knowledge that he is now at peace and no longer suffering.

“Dad simply loved West Ham United, and especially hearing his name sung loud and proud at every game. The Club, and its fans, were and always will be a part of our family, so thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”

West Ham added: "The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at West Ham United are with Luděk’s family as they come to terms with their loss, and we kindly ask that their privacy is respected at this sad and difficult time.

"A period of appreciation to honour Luděk will be held before kick-off at Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Fulham, and our following home EFL Championship fixture, against Queens Park Rangers on Friday 9 October, will be dedicated to Ludek’s memory. Further tributes will also appear across club channels in the coming days.

"Rest in peace Ludek, our beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man."

Miklosko was the guest of honour at the London Stadium for the Premier League fixture against Liverpool in December 2024, just after he announced his decision to withdraw from further cancer treatment. Hammers fans showed their support for the goalkeeper back in February by displaying a tifo in honour of him.

- Amie Wilson

KEVIN KEEGAN DIES AS NEWCASTLE UNITED LEGEND'S FAMILY RELEASE TEARFUL STATEMENT

The former Newcastle United player and manager has passed away at the age of 75

Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75(Image: PA)

Kevin Keegan has sadly passed away at 75 after battling with cancer throughout 2026. The former Newcastle manager's family have released an emotional statement sharing his final few moments.

The family said: "It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

"Kevin had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

"A double Ballon D’or winner, Kevin was a much loved husband, father and grandfather.

"The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. “This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy."

Keegan had said in May, during a talk-in at the Tyne Theatre: "I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left (Newcastle United) last time."

Kevin Keegan has sadly been diagnosed with cancer(Image: Getty Images)

Back then Keegan, in great spirits, also said: "They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got. Which is stage four cancer.

“He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean."

A club statement read: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.

"Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.

"As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.

"As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world.

Kevin Keegan saying farewell to Newcastle United in May, 1984(Image: NEwcastle Chronicle)

"He was so much more than an Entertainer.

"Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe.

"He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.

"Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.

"At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

"Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy.

- Lee Ryder

JEREMY CLARKSON'S DAUGHTER EMILY SHARES SWEET SNAP WITH HER DAD AFTER HE CONFIRMED HE IS IN REMISSION AND FILMING SERIES 6 OF CLARKSON'S FARM FOLLOWING PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSIS

Jeremy Clarkson's daughter Emily posted a sweet photograph with her father after he revealed he is now in remission following his prostate cancer diagnosis.

The Clarkson's Farm star, 66, first announced he was battling an 'aggressive' form of the disease during episode seven of his Amazon Prime Video series.

As the fifth series of the show was filmed before his treatment, Jeremy told viewers he was uncertain about his future and whether the show would return.

However, he has since confirmed that he is now doing well and is back at work filming the next season of his hit show.

Sharing the affectionate post for her dad hours before Father's Day in the UK, Emily wrote in the caption: '@prostatecanceruk @jeremyclarkson [blue heart emoji]'.

Emily cuddled up to her father in the black and white image as they both clutched drinks at a formal occasion they had attended together.

She also posted a quote from Jeremy urging others to get checked, which read: 'This is why I have to say to everybody who's reading this, please, please, go and get checked. It's not uncomfortable, it's not undignified. And it's a no-brainer. I did, and that's why I'm sitting here talking to you'.

Jeremy Clarkson's daughter Emily posted a sweet photograph with her father after he revealed he is now in remission following his prostate cancer diagnosis

She also posted a quote from Jeremy urging others to get checked, which read: 'This is why I have to say to everybody who's reading this, please, please, go and get checked. It's not uncomfortable, it's not undignified. And it's a no-brainer. I did, and that's why I'm sitting here talking to you'

Jeremy has highlighted how his early diagnosis after getting checked has been pivotal in treating the cancer. 

n a video, Jeremy expressed: “So, a bit of a year. But I am delighted to tell you that season 6 of Clarkson’s Farm is currently being filmed.

“It’s in production. And that’s particularly good news for me because, well if you know, you know, and if you don’t know, you need to watch season five,” he said before walking away.

The post was captioned: “Delighted to confirm that Series 6 of Clarkson’s Farm is in production.”

Fans flocked to the comments section to share their excitement about the renewal of their favourite show.

Jeremy Clarkson has said that he is now in remission after revealing last week that he had been battling 'aggressive' prostate cancer. 

In the series five finale of Clarkson's Farm, Jeremy, 66, revealed he had been diagnosed and had to undergo treatment for a malignant tumour in his prostate last August.

The final episode concluded with the presenter telling viewers: 'If this is all successful I'll see you for season six and if it isn't I won't. Take care everyone.' 

He revealed on the series, filmed from late 2024 to September 2025, how he had been diagnosed in May last year, and told farm pal Kaleb Cooper that 10 per cent of his prostate 'where the cancer is' is 'dead'. 

He began treatment and underwent an operation in August, before being rushed back to hospital in dramatic scenes which marked the end of the series. 

But now in a new interview he has spoken about how he is moving on with life now he is in remission.

Jeremy has said that he is now in remission after revealing last week that he had been battling 'aggressive' prostate cancer

In the series five finale of Clarkson's Farm, Jeremy revealed he had been diagnosed and had to undergo treatment for a malignant tumour in his prostate last August

He told The Times: 'I am without a doubt, officially, the world's luckiest man. It was an aggressive type of cancer. It could have spread, it could have gone into the pancreas, it could have gone anywhere, and that would have been trouble.

'This is why I have to say to everybody who's reading this, please, please, please go and get checked. It's not uncomfortable, it's not undignified. And it's a no-brainer. 

'I did, and that's why I'm sitting here talking to you 11 months down the line. I've seen so many people die of cancer. It doesn't bear thinking about what it must be like to live knowing that an illness is going to kill you.'

A follow-up PSA test two months ago revealed no indication of cancer and now he is officially in remission.

He also issued an update on his Instagram account on Saturday night, telling his followers: 'Hello there! Now the more observant among you will notice that I'm not dead...

'And I'm not just not dead, I'm perfectly fine. And the reason that I am fine is because the doctors caught the prostate cancer early and they caught it early because I got tested.

'And I know a lot of you will think you don't want to get tested but it's just a blood test these days. And if you go to your doctor and they say you don't have any symptoms and you're not in a high risk category then just lie. Say that you have to get up 32 times in the night for a wee.

'Because thousands of man die every year in the UK from prostate cancer. Don't be one of them. Get tested.' 

Earlier this week it was revealed that Jeremy is back filming series six of Clarkson's Farm. 

Fans of the hit Amazon Prime show will be delighted to hear the presenter is back in front of the camera after the future of Clarkson's Farm was thrown into doubt by his diagnosis.

The presenter was seen with the Amazon Prime camera crew at Diddly Squat Farm last week as he hosted the UK arable trade show, Cereals. 

Joined by his team Kaleb, Charlie Ireland and girlfriend Lisa Hogan, Diddly Squat saw a record-breaking crowd of over 25,000 visitors turn up to the farm to take in the 650 industry exhibitors.

A source told The Sun: 'He made his way around the crowd stopping to chat with everyone. He was laughing and joking with other farmers – he even gave a speech.

'There were cameras and crew present filming the scenes.'

He also issued an update on his Instagram account on Saturday night, telling his followers: 'Hello there! Now the more observant among you will notice that I'm not dead...'

He added: 'And I'm not just not dead, I'm perfectly fine. And the reason that I am fine is because the doctors caught the prostate cancer early and they caught it early because I got tested'

The final episode concluded with the presenter telling viewers: 'If this is all successful I'll see you for season six and if it isn't I won't. Take care everyone' (seen with partner Lisa Hogan) 

He revealed on the series, filmed from late 2024 to September 2025, how he had been diagnosed in May last year, and told farm pal Kaleb Cooper that 10 per cent of his prostate 'where the cancer is' is 'dead'

After series five was filmed, Jeremy revealed season six had been commissioned in his Sunday Times column. 

He wrote: 'Season five will air this year and season six has been commissioned and will air in summer 2027.' 

Jeremy also said he will stop doing Clarkson's Farm when he has run out of ideas - with even a seventh series possible as he has two 'quite good' ideas for what to focus on in each series. 

Fans were moved to tears when Jeremy shared his diagnosis in the final two episodes of the fifth season of Clarkson's Farm.

Clarkson was talking about plans for the upcoming harvest with Kaleb and Charlie when the broadcaster dropped the bombshell news on them.

The father-of-three said he had been diagnosed with an 'aggressive' form of cancer and would have to take time off during the harvest.

While telling Kaleb and Charlie the news, Clarkson said: 'I had a medical, you remember back in May. I disappeared off the other week and I had a biopsy and it is cancer and it's aggressive, but it's really early so the treatment will be, you know. 

'I was praying we could get the harvest done and then I could go and get some treatment but it's going to be slap bang in the middle.'

The farm faced a desperate race to harvest its barley and wheat before his treatment, with matters complicated by Kaleb's wife being due to give birth to the couple's third child. 

Clarkson hails early detection and intervention as the 'only reason there is any hope'.

'If I hadn't have got myself checked out and they hadn't caught the problem early this could well have been my last harvest. It's only because they did catch it early there's any hope. I'll be harvesting this farm for many, many years to come,' he said.

In a later scene, the presenter said he was given just six days notice ahead of his operation, which took place at a hospital in London on August 4. 

In scenes filmed the day before, Clarkson looked nervous as he and Lisa left the farm. 'I'll see you on the flip side,' he told Kaleb.

In what were originally the final scenes of the series, Clarkson tells Lisa, Kaleb, Charlie and Gerald: 'So we started the year and I had coronary heart disease and ended it with me with cancer.'

He continued: 'We can dwell as much as we like on all the bad things that have happened on the farm but I think it is better now at the end of the year to focus on things that have happened that are good.'

 When asked by Kaleb when they will know if the treatments have worked on the cancer, he replied: 'I don't know, I've got a blood test today, there'll be a blood test and then we'll know.

'Not for another few weeks. Come on cheer up, it probably did work.'

Clarkson revealed that filming had wrapped after the fireside chat, but matters changed after he was rushed back to hospital. The final episode cut to an ambulance with blue lights, and then the presenter in a hospital bed, where he reveals things haven't gone completely to plan.

He said: 'Some of the treatment has gone awry, let's say, I'm going to be here for a little while. I'm nil by mouth, I don't know what's going to happen.

'What I wanted to say was if this is all successful I'll see you for season six and if it isn't I won't. Take care everyone.'

In his new interview with The Times he told how the hiccup was caused by him resuming a course of tablets he had been taking for his earlier vascular and cardiac problems. 

He said: 'That was horrific and it was all my own fault. I'd been on drugs for heart issues and I had to come off them during the cancer treatment. Two or three weeks after the cancer operation, I thought I'd better put myself back on those blood thinners. Big mistake, huge.'

It resulted in the emergency dash to the hospital for another procedure to sort things out which he has described as 'spectacularly painful'.

- CHARLOTTE DEAN

'TOP GEAR' STAR JEREMY CLARKSON OPENS UP ABOUT HIS 'AGGRESSIVE' CANCER DIAGNOSIS

 

John Phillips/Getty Images for The Other Songs

British television presenter Jeremy Clarkson has revealed that he’s been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of cancer.

Clarkson shared the diagnosis in the final two episodes of Clarkson’s Farm Season 5, which are streaming on Prime Video. In the episodes, he told his co-stars, Charlie Ireland and Kaleb Cooper, “I’ve got cancer.” A shocked Cooper replied, “No, you haven’t. Where?” Clarkson answered, “Where it is is of no concern of anybody. I’ve known since May.”

It was later revealed that Clarkson had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but he said it had been caught early. He explained that he “disappeared off the other week” because he went to the doctor for a “biopsy.” The doctor told him the cancer was “aggressive” but that they’d caught it “really early.”

“I was praying we could get the harvest done, and then I could go and get some treatment, but it’s going to be slap bang in the middle,” he added, per Deadline. “I’m not daft, it’s going to be in about two weeks, maybe three. I’ll have to go and have an operation, and then, the operation is in and out in no time, but your body’s out of action for a little while.”

Clarkson was later seen in the hospital, where he noted that he’d started Season 5 in a “hospital bed” and now “we are at the end of Season 5 and I’m back in a hospital bed.” He also said that “some of the treatment” had “gone awry.”

“What I wanted to say was if this is all successful, I’ll see you for Season 6, and if it isn’t, I won’t,” he added. “Take care, everyone.”

Ahead of the final episodes, Clarkson posted a video on Instagram to share some “somber news,” telling viewers, “Ordinarily we try to keep the show bucolic and charming and cheerful, but two episodes which drop in the middle of the night tonight are, they’re none of those things, really.”

He told his followers that the episodes are “a difficult watch… they’re really, really difficult.”

Clarkson is best known for hosting the British motoring-themed program Top Gear for almost 20 years alongside Richard Hammond and James May. Since 2021, he’s starred in Clarkson’s Farm on Prime Video, which follows the host as he attempts to run a farm with no previous farming experience.

- Martin Holmes

FORMER LSU AND LOUISIANA TECH WIDE RECEIVER DEVONTA LEE HAS PASSED AWAY AT AGE 27 DUE TO CANCER

 

Former LSU and Louisiana Tech wide receiver Devonta Lee has passed away at the age of 27 after a battle with cancer.

Lee’s mother, Lacresia Brown, confirmed her son’s passing.

“He was a fighter, and he loved everybody. [Devonta] was a good kid [and would] do anything for anybody. He loved football [and] he gave his all in anything he did. He worked out every day [and was] a very hard, dedicated player [who] never gave up in football. [I will miss] my son.”

Lee was on the LSU roster from 2019 to 2021, recording 11 receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown during his time with the Tigers.

Lee transferred to Louisiana Tech in 2022.

LIVERPOOL SENDS ITS SUPPORT TO KEVIN KEEGAN

The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC and Forever Reds are with Kevin Keegan after he was diagnosed with cancer.

A legendary former Reds player, Keegan scored 100 goals in 323 appearances during a six-year spell at Anfield, with his honours at the club including three league titles, a European Cup, two UEFA Cups and an FA Cup.

In a statement today, the Keegan family said: "Kevin was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.

"These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.

"Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.

"During this time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment."

Keegan's playing career also saw him represent Scunthorpe United, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United, and he subsequently went into management, taking charge of the Magpies twice, as well as Fulham, England and Manchester City.

All of us at LFC and official former players association Forever Reds send our best wishes to Kevin, his family and friends.

- Liverpool FC

JEREY JONES OPENS UP ON BATTLE WITH CANCER

OXNARD, Calif. – Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones revealed in the upcoming Netflix documentary "America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys," which debuts next week, that he was diagnosed with and overcame stage-four cancer.

Jones, 82, talked about his battle on Wednesday and his perspective throughout the process.

"Millions of people are dealing with setbacks every day," Jones said. "You've gotta keep that in mind all the way through. There's no question that from my point of view, the great life that I get to have…"

"Being around this team, being around the NFL, being around sports, that for me if you need to be around a positive attitude when you're trying to deal with something like that, I've been around it… I've been blessed to be a part of the NFL."

Earlier on Wednesday, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer also revealed that he had battled cancer in the past. Both he and Jones spoke about their respective experiences together, and while Jones didn't delve into what the two talked about, he did harp on the gift of life that everyone has.

"We talk about pressure, we talk about challenges. I told a coach one time, he said, 'Man, that going for two, that just adds pressure.' I don't want to sound condescending, but I said, 'Everybody on that TV, everybody in those stands, they're dealing with things. They're dealing with pressure.'" Jones said.

"We all have pressure, let's all be thankful we're here to get to deal with it."

Jones explained that he was part of a treatment trial with PD-1, an immune checkpoint inhibitor that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. In his words, it "really, really, really worked."

One of the side effects was Jones had to have both of his hips replace because of what it did to his bones. That pales in comparison to what could have been in the worst-case scenario.

"You don't like to think about your mortality, but I was so fortunate to have some great people that sent me in the right direction…" Jones said. "I'm proud to get to be sitting here with you guys and be getting to do what we do. But [mortality] was in the back of your mind."

As the title of the Netflix documentary details, Jones has always been a gambler. For some, an encounter with a devastating part of life like cancer may change their perspective on life. For Jones, it didn't, because he's already been living with the appreciation of what's around him.

"I was with the Cowboys because I wanted the job of running the Cowboys," Jones said. Not necessarily for my children, not necessarily for anybody, I wanted that job. That's the way it's been, and when you're passionate and get totally engulfed in what you're doing, that helps you deal with some of the other issues we deal with in life."

- Dallas Cowboys 

BREAKING NEWS: DEION SANDERS WAS BATTLING BLADDER CANCER

BREAKING: Colorado coach Deion Sanders announced he has been battling bladder cancer this offseason. He had successful surgery to remove his bladder and is now cancer free, according to his physicians.

- Yahoo! Sports 

ICONIC F1 DESIGNER REVEALS CANCER DIAGNOSIS

© XPBimages
 

Gordon Murray, one of the key architects of the iconic McLaren MP4/4 of 1988, has revealed a diagnosis of an aggressive form of cancer.

Murray, 79, was given his chance as an F1 technical director by Bernie Ecclestone at Brabham in the 1970s, designing the infamous BT46B - also known as the Fan Car - before it was promptly banned. 

Murray's cars won the 1981 and 1983 drivers' titles for Nelson Piquet, before Ron Dennis enticed him to McLaren for 1987.  

At the team, Murray was instrumental in designing the MP4/4, which won 15 out of 16 races and handed Ayrton Senna his first title, before Murray-designed cars swept the next three seasons of titles - two for Senna and one for Alain Prost. He stepped back from F1 involvement in the mid-1990s.

He was also the designer of the famous McLaren F1 road car, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, South African Murray revealed that in 2024, he had been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer which starts in the glands.

The Oesophageal cancer was caught early, with Murray undergoing chemotherapy and then a new type of surgery. 

His heart rate ballooned to 180bpm at times during the chemotherapy, with his heart being stopped to reset it, with the cancer being removed in "PlayStation" surgery in July 2024.

"The surgeon sits on the other side of the room with a PlayStation, basically, and you are lying there and everything is done with robots," Murray told Telegraph Sport.

Murray left the ICU within six days of surgery, but has been getting used to being fed via a tube. 

- Jake Nichol

FORMER ROCHDALE MIDFIELDER THOMPSON DIES AT 36

Former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson has died at the age of 36.

He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in April last year, five years after he retired from playing.

Thompson was found to have stage four lymphoma - a type of blood cancer - which had spread to his lungs after twice recovering from the disease during his playing career.

The Bath-born player began and finished his career with Rochdale, and had three spells with the club.

Rochdale said they were "devastated" and that he had passed away peacefully at home on Thursday with his family by his side.

"We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality," Rochdale said., external

"He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch. His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story.

"Above all of that, Joe was a loving husband to Chantelle and an incredible father to Thailula and Athena Rae.

"Our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this incredibly sad time."

Thompson was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013 and again in 2017.

But, after twice being given the all-clear, he notably went on to score the goal which saw Rochdale avoid relegation from League One in 2018.

He retired from playing in 2019 after making 203 appearances for Rochdale and saying he had "pushed his body to the absolute limit".

Thompson's wife Chantelle said during his illness he had "walked every step with courage and pride".

"Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against the odds," she said.

"I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy."

Thompson came through Manchester United's academy from the age of nine before going on to join Dale, where he spent the majority of his 13-year career.

He also played for Tranmere Rovers, Carlisle United, Southport and Bury.

He was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma while at Tranmere in 2013 and was given the all-clear the following year.

After being diagnosed with cancer again in March 2017 during his third spell with Dale, he was able to return to football during the 2017-18 season after being told he was in "complete remission".

In his finest moment for Rochdale, Thompson scored against Charlton Athletic to secure their place in League One for another season, describing his goal as "written in the stars, fate, destiny".

Following the end of his playing career, Thompson worked in the media as a pundit as well as mentoring and as a motivational speaker.

In October 2024, he took part in a 21-mile fundraising walk in order to raise awareness of cancer treatments following his third diagnosis.

About 300 people took part in the walk from Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium to Rochdale's Crown Oil Arena home.

Tributes to Thompson poured in following news of his passing.

Manchester United described him as "a man who epitomised our club's values," before adding: "We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.

"A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time."

Tranmere and Carlisle both sent their condolences to Thompson's family and said they would be holding a minute's applause at their home games on Friday.

"Joe was an inspiration to all those who knew him," both clubs said.

Bury added: "Our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this sad time. RIP Joe - Once A Shaker Always A Shaker."

Southport said: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of former player Joe Thompson. We send our deepest condolences to all of Joe's friends and family at this tough time."

In 2019, Thompson received the Sir Tom Finney award at the annual EFL awards ceremony, an honour presented to a player who has had an outstanding career and contributed an exception amount to the Football League and game in general.

The EFL described Thompson as "an inspiration to so many" and added: "The EFL is deeply saddened by the passing of Joe Thompson. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former clubs at this very difficult time."

ENGLAND CRICKET LEGEND'S WIFE DIES AFTER LONG GETTING WITH CANCER

The tragic news was confirmed on Monday

Stewart's wife Lynn has died at the age of 62 (Image: FIONA HANSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Lynn's death was confirmed by the club on Monday morning with chairman Oli Slipper saying: “The sincere condolences of everyone at Surrey County Cricket Club are with Alec and the whole Stewart family.

"Our very best wishes are with the family and we will continue to offer any support to them that we are able to. In the meantime, we ask that people respect their privacy at this difficult time.”

The club also confirmed that flags would be flown at half-mast for the final day of their County Championship game against Hampshire as a mark of respect.

Stewart is the fifth most-capped English cricketer ever in Test matches, having played in 133 between 1990 and 2003, and was made captain in 1998.

As a player, he won six trophies in 23 years with Surrey, including three Championship titles, while he oversaw three County Championship title wins in his role as director of cricket with the club.

However, at the end of last year he stepped down from that position and took on a part-time role as high-performance cricket advisor, in order for him to spend more time with Lynn.

Describing it as the "toughest decision of my working career," Stewart announced in a statement: "Since 2013, I have given this job my total commitment and it has been an honour and a privilege to be a part of the greatest cricket club in the world. However, the job is not one that you can just leave at the ground, as it demands 24-7 attention.

"As people may know, my wife has been battling cancer since 2013 and I want to give her, and my family, more of my time over the coming years than this job allows."

Shortly after stepping down from his role, he opened up on his wife's illness in an interview with the Telegraph, explaining: "There are bits and pieces that have crept up recently. It's never going away. It's managing it.

"That is, there are some goodish times, and then the last four weeks have been tough for her. And then it's just putting faith in the oncologist we've had from day one, who's been brilliant.

"But yes, now I've got housework duties, cooking duties and other duties on the agenda, which I do to the best of my ability, which isn't great, but you've got to try, haven't you?

'It is two weeks on and two weeks off with chemo and the oncologist has said we will attack it with vigour," he added. "And hopefully make life more pleasant. So it's just managing it really, dealing with it, which is what we've always done. She's the brave one."

The couple were married for over 30 years and had two children, Andrew and Emily, together.

- John Jones

REST IN PEACE EDDIE JORDAN | FORMULA 1 BOSS DIES AFTER AGGRESSIVE BATTLE WITH CANCER

 

GREG GUMBEL PASSED AWAY AT AGE 78

Greg Gumbel, a veteran of CBS Sports who spent more than 50 years in sports broadcasting, has died of cancer at the age of 78, his family said Friday. 

RANDY MOSS CONFIRMS HEALTH RUMORS INVOLVING-LIFE THREATENING ILLNESS, SURGERY

Randy Moss took a medical leave of absence from ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown," where he has been an analyst since 2016. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

Former Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss has been battling a health issue that rode the fence between public and private for weeks -- until now.

Moss revealed a couple of weeks back that he was dealing with an internal health battle during his regular work as a member of ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown."

Rumors had begun to spread as Moss's eyes had turned visibly yellow, and indication of jaundice that is typically associated with liver problems. He later revealed on Instagram that he was in poor health and asked for prayers.

However, Moss did not get specific about his ailment, which left elements of privacy and intrigue amid the public news about his condition. That all changed on Friday, Dec. 13, when Moss took to Instagram Live and revealed a diagnosis of liver cancer.

Randy Moss on Instagram Live says he is a cancer survivor. He just got home, was in the hospital for 6 days.

— Seth Kaplan (@Seth_Kaplan) December 13, 2024

"Randy Moss on Instagram Live says he is a cancer survivor," Seth Kaplan of Fox 9 in Eden Prairie reported via an X post. "He just got home, was in the hospital for 6 days."

Kaplan updated Moss's condition in a series of posts that read as follows:

"Moss says, it'll be a tough road with chemo and radiation, but "your boy is back!" Thanking everyone for the prayers."

"Moss: They found cancer in the bile duct, between the pancreas and the liver. 6-hour surgery.

"Moss says, on Thanksgiving, he had a stent put in to help his liver."

Moss, an NFL Hall of Fame inductee, played 14 years in the league. He amassed 982 catches for 15,292 receiving yards and 156 touchdowns over that span.

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BASKETBALL LEGEND ALONZO MOURNING CANCER FREE AFTER PROSTATE CANCER STAGE 3 SURGERY

 

O.J. SIMPSON DIES OF CANCER AT AGE 76, FAMILY SAYS

O.J. Simpson went from beloved athlete and actor to, for many, a pariah and presumed killer.Credit...POOL/AFP/Getty Image

 

LAS VEGAS -- O.J. Simpson, the decorated football Simpson's jersey is still retired by USC in recognition of his two remarkable seasons as the Trojans' tailback, and his No. 32 is prominently displayed at every home football game on the banners that drape the pesuperstar and Hollywood actor who was acquitted of charges he killed his former wife and her friend but later was found liable in a separate civil trial, has died. He was 76.

The family announced on Simpson's official X account that Simpson died Wednesday after battling prostate cancer. He diein Las Vegas, officials there said Thursday.

"On April 10th, our father, Orenthal Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace," the family posted on Simpson's X account.

Simpson earned fame, fortune and adulation through football and show business, but his legacy was forever changed by the June 1994 knife slayings of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman in Los Angeles.

On June 12, the bodies of Brown Simpson and Goldman were found outside her condo in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. Simpson was a person of interest in the murders, but rather than turn himself in five days later, he led police on a low-speed chase throughout Los Angeles as a passenger in a white Ford Bronco driven by former NFL player Al Cowlings. An estimated television audience of 95 million watched the drama unfold, with live coverage interrupting regular programming, including the NBA Finals.

Simpson gained widespread popularity across society as the Heisman Trophy-winning tailback for the University of Southern California in the late 1960s, as a rental car ad pitchman rushing through airports in the late 1970s, and as a commentator for "Monday Night Football" and an actor in movies such as "The Naked Gun" series in the 1980s.

The public was mesmerized by his "trial of the century" on live TV. It featured lead prosecutor Marcia Clark against a "legal dream team" for Simpson led by Johnnie Cochran, who famously pleaded to the jury during closing arguments, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit," a reference to a glove matching one found at the scene of the murders. His case sparked debates on race, gender, domestic abuse, celebrity justice and police misconduct.

A criminal court jury found Simpson not guilty of murder in 1995, but a separate civil trial jury found him liable in 1997 for the deaths and ordered him to pay $33.5 million to family members of Brown and Goldman.

A decade later, still shadowed by the California wrongful death judgment, Simpson led five men he barely knew into a confrontation with two sports memorabilia dealers in a cramped Las Vegas hotel room. Two men with Simpson had guns. A jury convicted Simpson of armed robbery and other felonies.

Imprisoned at age 61, he served nine years in a remote northern Nevada prison, including a stint as a gym janitor. He was not contrite when he was released on parole in October 2017. The parole board heard him insist yet again that he was only trying to retrieve sports memorabilia and family heirlooms stolen from him after his criminal trial in Los Angeles.

"I've basically spent a conflict-free life, you know," said Simpson, whose parole ended in late 2021.

Public fascination with Simpson never faded. Many debated whether he had been punished in Las Vegas for his acquittal in Los Angeles. In 2016, he was the subject of an FX miniseries and a five-part ESPN documentary, "O.J.: Made in America."

"I don't think most of America believes I did it," Simpson told The New York Times in 1995, a week after a jury determined he did not kill Brown and Goldman. "I've gotten thousands of letters and telegrams from people supporting me."

Twelve years later, after an outpouring of public outrage, Rupert Murdoch canceled a planned book by News Corp-owned HarperCollins in which Simpson offered his hypothetical account of the killings. It was to be titled, "If I Did It."

Goldman's family, still doggedly pursuing the multimillion-dollar wrongful death judgment, won control of the manuscript. They retitled the book "If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer."

"It's all blood money, and unfortunately I had to join the jackals," Simpson told The Associated Press at the time. He collected $880,000 in advance money for the book, paid through a third party.

"It helped me get out of debt and secure my homestead," he said.

Less than two months after losing the rights to the book, Simpson was arrested in Las Vegas.

David Cook, an attorney who has been seeking since 2008 to collect the civil judgment in the Ron Goldman case, said he spoke with Fred Goldman, father of Ron, on Thursday about Simpson's death. Cook declined to say what Fred Goldman said or where he was, but Goldman told NBC News that Simpson's death is "just further reminder of Ron being gone all these years. It's no great loss to the world."

"He died without penance," Cook said of Simpson. "We don't know what he has, where it is or who is in control. We will pick up where we are and keep going with it."

Simpson played 11 NFL seasons, nine of them with the Buffalo Bills, who made Simpson the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft in 1969. With Buffalo he became known as The Juice on an offensive line known as the Electric Company. He won four NFL rushing titles, rushed for 11,236 yards in his career, scored 76 touchdowns, made five first-team All-Pro squads and played in six Pro Bowls. His best season was 1973, when he ran for 2,003 yards -- the first running back to break the 2,000-yard rushing mark (doing it in 14 games) while averaging 141.3 yards per game, still an NFL record.

"I was part of the history of the game," he said years later, recalling that season. "If I did nothing else in my life, I'd made my mark."

Simpson's rise in football happened simultaneously with a career in television. He signed a contract with ABC Sports the night he won the Heisman Trophy in 1968. That same year, he appeared on the NBC series "Dragnet" and "Ironside." During his pro career, Simpson was a color commentator for a decade on ABC followed by a stint on NBC. In 1983, he joined ABC's "Monday Night Football."

Simpson quickly became a charismatic pitchman. In 1975, Hertz made him the first Black man hired for a corporate national ad campaign. The commercials, featuring Simpson running through airports toward the Hertz desk and young girls chanting "Go, O.J., go!" were ubiquitous for years.

Simpson made his big-screen debut in 1974 in "The Klansman," an exploitation film in which he starred alongside Lee Marvin and Richard Burton. The film was a flop, but Simpson would go on to appear in several dozen films and TV series, including 1974's "The Towering Inferno," 1976's "The Cassandra Crossing," 1977's "Roots" and 1977's "Capricorn One."

Most notable, perhaps, was his performance in 1988's "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad" and its two sequels. Simpson played Detective Nordberg in the slapstick films opposite Leslie Nielsen.

Of course, Simpson went on to other fame.

One of the artifacts of his murder trial, the carefully tailored tan suit he wore when he was acquitted, was later donated and placed on display at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Simpson had been told the suit would be in the hotel room in Las Vegas, but it turned out it wasn't there.

Orenthal James Simpson was born July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, where he grew up in government-subsidized housing projects.

After graduating from high school, he enrolled at City College of San Francisco for a year and a half before transferring to the University of Southern California for the spring 1967 semester.

He married his first wife, Marguerite Whitley, on June 24, 1967, moving her to Los Angeles the next day so he could begin preparing for his first season with USC -- which, in large part because of Simpson, won that year's national championship.

Simpson won the Heisman Trophy in 1968. He accepted the statue on the same day that his first child, Arnelle, was born.

He also had two other children, Jason and Aaren, with his first wife. Their daughter Aaren drowned as a toddler in a swimming pool accident in 1979, the same year Simpson and Whitley divorced.

Simpson and Brown were married in 1985. They had two children, Sydney and Justin, and divorced in 1992. Two years later, Nicole Brown Simpson was found murdered.

"We don't need to go back and relive the worst day of our lives," he told the AP 25 years after the double slayings. "The subject of the moment is the subject I will never revisit again. My family and I have moved on to what we call the 'no negative zone.' We focus on the positives."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

CHRIS MORTESEN, AN AWARD WINNING ESPN REPORTER WHO COVERED THE NFL, DIES AT 72

ESPN via AP

 Chris Mortensen, the award-winning journalist who covered the NFL for close to four decades, including 32 as a senior analyst at ESPN, died Sunday morning. He was 72.

ESPN confirmed Mortensen’s death on Sunday. There was no immediate word on the cause or place of death.

“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hardworking teammate,” ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades. He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones.”

Mortensen announced in 2016 that he he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. Even while undergoing treatment, he was the first to confirm the retirement of Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.

🇨🇮 𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗡 𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥 🇨🇮

July 2022: diagnosed with testicular cancer and stopped playing football. 

January 2023: returns to playing after beating cancer following 2 OPs & 4 cycles of chemotherapy.

February 2024: Scores winning goals in 2023 AFCON semi-final and final.

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON: FORMER ENGLAND MANAGER SAYS HE HAS CANCER AND 'BEST CASE A YEAR' TO LIVE

Sven-Goran Eriksson says he has "best case a year" to live after being diagnosed with cancer.

The 75-year-old Swede was the first foreign coach to manage England and led the side to the quarter-finals of the 2002 and 2006 World Cup and 2004 Euros.

"I'm going to resist for as long as I can," Eriksson told Swedish Radio P1.

"I have an illness that's serious. Best case a year, I have worst case a lot less. It's impossible to say exactly, so it's better to not think about it."

Eriksson, who had a 42-year career in management, stood down from his most recent role as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad 11 months ago because of health issues.

He said he was trying to stay positive and "make something good" from his cancer diagnosis.

SHERRY POLEX DEAD AT AGE 44 | NASCAR

 

Sherry Pollex has died at the age of 44 after her courageous battle with ovarian cancer.