Legendary former Town player and manager George Burley has spoken of his gratitude after receiving a host of well wishes as he continues his battle against cancer.

In September it was revealed that Burley, 68, is undergoing treatment for the disease and the following weeks have seen an outpouring of support from fans of the Blues and other clubs, ex-teammates and players, as well as those currently working at Portman Road.

“So many people have got in touch to wish me well and people have been very respectful too,” the former Premier League Manager of the Year said.

“The club have been great as well and I’ve received messages of support from Kieran [McKenna] and Sam [Morsy] which means a lot to me. Ipswich has always been a family club and it’s important to see that continue.”

He continued: “I’m at Portman Road for every match willing them all on, wanting the team to succeed.”

 
Burley’s new book, All To Play For, which focuses on his eventful eight-year spell as manager, hits the shelves soon, in good time for Christmas.

It is a project that has provided the Scot with a welcome distraction during what has been a difficult time for him.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed working on it. It’s very different to your usual type of football book. Everybody has been very supportive and we’ve managed to include interviews with 20 of the players from my time as manager, plus my former chairman, David Sheepshanks, and others connected to the club then, too. 
 
“It’s packed full of great images and memories, and it covers every aspect of what was going on at ITFC during that period.

“I’ve seen a prototype of the book and it’s a very high-quality publication. I wanted to produce something special for Ipswich supporters to really enjoy and I hope they will.” 
 
All to Play For is available for pre-order in collector’s and standard editions from TWTD here and is expected to hit the shops in November.

Photo: Action Images

trueblues78 added 14:44 - Oct 21 The word legend is over used in football but not on this man. What he delivered for Town is staggering! Let’s hope he makes a full recovery.
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Ryorry added 15:13 - Oct 21 Keep fighting, Mr Burley - think of the play-off semis! And Wemburley - which will never be simply ‘Wembley’ ever again for tens of thousands of us
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Ipswichbusiness added 16:58 - Oct 21 His record, both as a player and manager, commands respect.
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churchmans added 22:24 - Oct 21 The best manager I have seen town play under and the best memories! The pinnacle being the two seasons in the prem and Europe for me is truly staggering! Hopefully I will travel abroad again watching the town!
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flykickingbybgunn added 11:16 - Oct 22 One of our own.
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PortmanTerrorist added 15:03 - Oct 22 George, you can never be as grateful as we are to have the memories you helped create as a player. And special times again as Manager incl sharing a hotel with George and the team and chatting with George and (never to be forgotten) Dale Roberts before our 1st big night out in Helsingborg (before the game) and drinking with them and the team and Mr Sheepshanks (after the game). So many other great memories and thank you again.

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atty added 15:53 - Oct 22 Exceptional manager, exceptional man.
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Robert_Garrett added 17:00 - Oct 22 1973 FA Youth Cup Final beat Bristol City and we watched George in the ITFC youth team at Bristol. I invaded the pitch at the end and had my blue and white scarf stolen by an eight year old kid from Bristol. Wont forget it in a hurry. George has been around the town for over FIFTY years although he did a short stint as a successful manager. Bring him on TownTV again..........

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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 17:03 - Oct 22 My all-time ITFC hero for so many reasons.
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BurleysGloryDays added 19:28 - Oct 22 The best of the best. Hope he sees his statue
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Pessimistic added 15:33 - Oct 23 They should build a statue around the ground for you George! You are the reason we have so many life-long supporters now.
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