The much loved former player and manager George Burley speaks on feeling ‘very lucky’ after getting the all-clear from cancer.
The 68 year old, has been declared cancer-free after undergoing six cycles of chemotherapy and an operation.
Burnley, a former Scotland manager, who played over 500 games for Ipswich from 1973 to 1985 and managed the club from 1994 to 2002, announced his diagnosis in September.
He credits his recovery to his prior fitness, a severe injury from his youth that built resilience, and strong family support, and remained active during treatment, attending Ipswich home games, going to the gym, and playing golf.
Burley, also recently co-wrote a book about his time at Ipswich, and has since expressed gratitude for his recovery and the closer bonds formed with family and friends.
Burley feeling “very lucky” after cancer all-clear https://t.co/vNIumXyw6L
— BBC Suffolk (@BBCSuffolk) May 13, 2025
Speaking to BBC Radio Suffolk, Burley said: “It’s been a long road – it didn’t happen overnight.
“It started almost a year ago where I was having symptoms and wasn’t feeling great.
“It was great to eventually come through it all – I’ve been very, very lucky with the amount of support I’ve had.
“My family’s been unbelievable… and I’ve been very well looked after.
“Eventually, when I did get diagnosed, I thought I’ve got to get on with it.
“The people around you, you’ve got to make sure you’re not moping around [and] keep their chins up.
“It’s not easy because initially you don’t want to speak much about it, but once you grow into it, people around you know you’re accepting the fact – and [you] get on with life as normal as possible.
With regards to looking to the future, Burley said: “I’m enjoying the sunshine, going out for a meal during the day and playing a bit of golf.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time and looking forward to the team having a good season next season and getting back into the Premiership.”
Burley joked he and his daughter was unable to get tickets to Ed Sheeran’s series of summer gigs at Portman Road, despite trying.
“I don’t live that far away from the football club, so I can sit out in the garden to listen to him”
In September 2024, he stated: “After feeling unwell earlier this year, I have recently received a diagnosis and I am taking positive action to fight the disease. It has been a difficult time, but I am feeling much brighter now. In fact, I am able to get to matches at Portman Road and I am enjoying watching the team playing back in the Premier League.
“We are grateful to the Club for the support they have shown me and my family and I would ask that everyone is respectful of our privacy at this time.”
Chatting to the Guardian towards the end of November that year, he added: “I’ve had: ‘You’re not gonna play football any more,’ and it was: ‘All right, let’s beat that.’ This is another test. I’ve got great people looking after me and feel fine. People will stop me out walking and tell me their stories of dealing with cancer. It’s great support.”
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said: “This club has had some brilliant managers and George is right up there as one of the very best.
“It has been a pleasure to get to know George since I arrived at Ipswich. He is a positive and optimistic character, and I know he will also take that attitude into the battle he now faces. We are all right behind him.”
Club chairman Mark Ashton added: “Our thoughts are with George, his wife Jill and their family.
“It’s always great to see him here in the directors’ box on a matchday and we will do everything we can to support one of our all-time greats, uniquely as both player and manager.”
Twitter users reacted as George Burley speaks on feeling ‘very lucky’ after getting the all-clear from cancer…
@No_Bikers: A bastard illness. Delighted for him
@poxon_trevor: Welcome to the survivors club 👏👏👏
@JRitchie219: Really good news. All the best George
@Cocosco71: That’s great news, he is a real genuine good guy 🙏 God bless use George
@IsaacStatue: Great news. From a Gillingham fan. George played for us, too. I saw Hearts play against Gills at Priestfield Stadium a few years ago 👍
@Mattciderarmy37: Great news, hugs to him and his family
@martingray100: Fantastic! Forever a Hearts hero.
@The_Sharp_Files: Good health and luck to the fella. I recall him starting off a season so well they looked like they could win league.. size of squad probably stopped his team, along with other factors.
@MrsMiko_: This is brilliant news!! 🫶🏻 Soooooo….ehhhhh George when you’re feeling better do you have any plans for August onwards??? 😜😂🇱🇻
@Mufc16Dave: Excellent news so pleased for George
@Laido: This is great news, big congratulations George #cancer #cancerawareness
HIS CAREER:
*Club domestic league appearances and goals
Senior*
1973–1985 – Ipswich Town – 394 games (6 goals)
1985–1988 – Sunderland – 54 games (0 goals)
1988–1989 – Gillingham – 46 games (2 goals)
1989–1991 – Motherwell – 54 games (0 goals)
1991–1993 – Ayr United – 67 games (0 goals)
1993 – Falkirk – 1 game (0 goals)
1993–1994 – Motherwell – 5 games (0 goals)
1994 – Colchester United – 7 games (0 goals)
1994–1995 – Ipswich Town – 0 games (0 goals)
Total – 628 games (8 goals)
International*
1976–1977 – Scotland U21 – 5 games (0 goals)
1974–1975 – Scotland U23 – 2 games (0 goals)
1979–1982 – Scotland – 11 games (0 goals)
Managerial career
1991–1993 – Ayr United
1994 – Colchester United (P20 W8 D5 L7 W%40)
1994–2002 – Ipswich Town (P410 W185 D97 L128 W%45.1)
2003–2005 – Derby County (P107 W39 D25 L43 W%36.4)
2005 – Heart of Midlothian (P12 W9 D2 L1 W%75.0)
2005–2008 – Southampton (P109 W45 D25 L39 W%41.3)
2008–2009 – Scotland (P14 W3 D3 L8 W%21.4)
2009 – Scotland B (P1 W1 D0 L0 W%100.0)
2010–2011 – Crystal Palace (P26 W7 D5 L14 W%26.9)
2012 – Apollon Limassol (P2 W1 D0 L1 W%50.0)
HONOURS:
Player
Ipswich Town
FA Cup: 1977–78
UEFA Cup: 1980–81
Texaco Cup: 1972–73
Sunderland
Football League Third Division: 1987–88
Individual
Ipswich Town Player of the Year: 1976–77
Manager
Ayr United
Scottish Challenge Cup runner-up: 1990–91
Ipswich Town
Football League First Division play-offs: 2000
Individual
Premier League Manager of the Month: November 2000
Premier League Manager of the Year: 2000–01
LMA Premier League Manager of the Year: 2000–01
LMA Manager of the Year: 2000–01
Ipswich Town Hall of Fame: Inducted 2009
Scottish Premier League Manager of the Month: August 2005, September 2005
