[themaclad]

Ex North Ender this lad wish him well

ristol Rovers defender Nick Anderton has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.

The 26-year-old will undergo an operation in the coming weeks to remove part of the bone in his thigh.

Anderton joined Bristol Rovers in May 2021 from Carlisle United and made 39 appearances last season, scoring three goals.

"This diagnosis has come as a huge shock to both myself and my family," Anderton said in a statement.

"However, we are remaining positive and hopeful.

"I want to thank everyone at Bristol Rovers, especially club doctor Ian Ferguson and head of medical Stuart Leake, the specialists at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham and my family for their continued support."

Osteosarcoma is a type of sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that develops in supporting tissue in the body.

Bristol Rovers CEO Tom Gorringe said: "Everyone at Bristol Rovers shares our sympathies for Nick at this difficult time and we will do everything possible to help support Nick and his family during his recovery.

"I am sure everyone will want to show their support for Nick, which will help him immensely as he recovers.

"I would also ask that everyone shows respect for his and his family's privacy during this time."

[themaclad]

Bristol Rovers defender Nick Anderton is to have chemotherapy after his cancer diagnosis was found to be more aggressive than initially thought.

The 26-year-old was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in his femur in July.

He had an operation on 5 October to remove a tumour which was successful.

Yet the biopsy revealed the cancerous cells are aggressive and require Anderton to have chemotherapy, which will last several months.

"I would like to thank my family, friends, fans, team-mates and the whole football community for their support - it means the world to me," Anderton said in a statement.

Osteosarcoma is a type of sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that develops in supporting tissue in the body.

Anderton joined Rovers in May 2021 from Carlisle United and made 39 appearances for the club in 2021-22, his last game coming in April.

"Sadly, the prognosis Nick has received has developed over the past few months," said Rovers chief executive officer Tom Gorringe.

"But we are all incredibly thankful that it was uncovered as early as it was and that he has been afforded such great care and support early on.

"Nick remains an integral part of our squad and everyone has remained in constant contact with him to offer our support and to do what we can to try and help him and his family through this difficult time.

"Nick's response and positivity, despite the adversity he is currently facing, is admirable and he is an inspiration to us all."

[themaclad]

Might be me but this doesn't sound good

Bristol Rovers defender Nick Anderton has retired from professional football as he continues his recovery from a form of bone cancer.

The 26-year-old was diagnosed in July 2022 with osteosarcoma and is completing a course of chemotherapy.

Anderton had surgery in October to remove a tumour from his right femur, and later had a full knee replacement and 12cm of his femur replaced.

In a statement, Anderton said he was "at peace" with the decision.

"Looking back at the past 10 years, I have nothing but fond memories. To every club I've represented, thank you for the opportunity.

"To every coach and manager I've worked under, thank you for the time you invested in me. To every player I've shared a dressing room with and every player I've competed against on the pitch, thank you. It's been an absolute pleasure."

Following his diagnosis last summer Anderton had a biopsy, which revealed the cancerous cells were aggressive and required him to have chemotherapy.

Osteosarcoma is a type of sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that develops in supporting tissue in the body, and the former Preston North End, Barrow, Blackpool, Accrington Stanley and Carlisle United player has received support from across the football community.

Rovers boss Joey Barton, as well as 40 of the club's players, coaches and staff shaved their heads in support of the left-back in January.

[Lord Snooty]

Oh dear.

[themaclad]

Former Bristol Rovers defender Nick Anderton has announced he is free of bone cancer.

The 27-year-old was diagnosed last year after complaining of a sore knee but said on social media that his latest scans show no sign of active disease.

He has needed 28 weeks of chemotherapy and a knee operation but said he was "blessed to be still here battling on".

Anderton retired in April after a nine-year professional career and spells at Rovers, Carlisle and Barrow.

"I don't think it's really possible to put into words how the last year has been," he wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"This journey is by no means over as the cancer can return and I'm going to be checked every few months for the foreseeable."

Anderton began his career at Preston before joining Barrow, after a string of loan moves, in 2016.

He later played for Blackpool, Accrington and Carlisle before a May 2021 move to Bristol Rovers, where he was part of the side that won promotion from League Two in 2022.