Sheffield United: Legendary boss Dave Bassett reveals cancer diagnosis
Dave Bassett, the legendary Sheffield United manager, has revealed he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 77-year-old Londoner, who led United to two promotions during his time in charge at Bramall Lane and was named as the greatest ever manager in the club’s history at their 125 celebrations in 2014, was the latest guest on the Blades’ official club podcast, hosted by broadcaster Paul Walker.
Ostensibly arranged to discuss Bassett’s eventful time in charge of the club, the podcast began with the revelation that Bassett has “a few little problems”.
“I’ve got a bit of prostate cancer but it’s being dealt with,” Bassett revealed.
“It's been diagnosed, I've been there and I'm due to have a bit of radiotherapy. But I'm quite chilled out about it.
“The urologist who inspected me said: ‘You needn't do anything, you've got a good eight or 10 years left in you if you want to. But if you want a belt and braces job, we can do it.’
“So I said: ‘Let's go for it’. I've had all the tests and everything else and the final bit hopefully they clear it up.
“I feel good. I'm fit, I'm playing golf, I'm getting around and it's not been a problem to me.”
Bassett was in the directors’ box to watch United’s last home game of last season, the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Nottingham Forest, and received a good reception when he was introduced to supporters ahead of kick-off.
“I’m football mad,” Bassett said. “For me to be voted the greatest manager is a great accolade. It’s difficult to remember the likes of Harry Haslam but it was great. I really appreciate those awards, they mean a lot to me.
“The first six months at United was difficult but I knew we could build something. The last 18 months, I was bitter. I felt we’d sold ourselves down the river. I’d seen the vision but no-one wanted to listen. I think if we could have capitalised on it, they would have been a Premier League side all along. If they had the right people.”