EFL legend Ronnie Moore, 72, diagnosed with incurable cancer as fans pay tribute to ‘proper top bloke'

Scottish Sun

3 days ago

Moore's career almost didn't happen at all after his mum died of cancer
CANCER SHOCK EFL legend Ronnie Moore, 72, diagnosed with incurable cancer as fans pay tribute to 'proper top bloke'
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EFL legend Ronnie Moore has been diagnosed with an incurable type of blood cancer.
The 72-year-old has managed several clubs, including Rotherham United, Tranmere Rovers and Hartlepool, where he is currently the chief scout.
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Ronnie Moore has been diagnosed with an incurable type of blood cancer
Credit: Action Images - Reuters
The former striker played for seven different clubs in a career spanning almost two decades, including Tranmere, Cardiff City, Charlton Athletic and Rotherham.
But it was at latter club Rotherham where Moore cemented himself in English football history as he's considered of the greatest club players of all time.
It was the South Yorkshire side who delicately revealed that Moore has been diagnosed with Myeloma – a type of blood cancer.
The much-loved EFL figure will now receive treatment in the coming months.
He will reportedly await a stem cell transplant for a cancer that is treatable, but sadly incurable and will need to be managed by medical professionals.
Rotherham revealed that Liverpool-born Moore is currently "feeling well" and walking regularly.
The League One club: " We're right with you Ronnie ❤. The thoughts and unwavering support of everyone at Rotherham is with legendary former player and manager."
A true legend of the football club, Ronnie will continue to be welcome to attend matches at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
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Moore has left a huge impact on English football after nearly 54 years in the EFL
Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Moore, who has managed nearly 1000 games, has received hundreds of tributes from the English football world, wishing him support.
One footie fan wrote: "Proper top bloke Ronnie, from a Barnsley fan I wish him all the best in the world.
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"Always used to come in local boozer to us and would make time to come talk football and all sorts with us. One of the good ones!"
While another supporter said: "You've got this Ronnie, keep fighting 👊❤️🤍."
Rotherham fans have planned to sing Moore's name loud and clear when they face Port Vale in their season opener on Saturday.
Moore's time in the EFL began 54 YEARS ago when he joined Tranmere Rovers.
Despite being a prolific striker, the 6ft footballer was used as a defender by player-manager Ron Yeats, before returning to centre forward under John King.
Tranmere were forced to sell Moore for financial reasons after they were relegated in 1979.
He joined Cardiff City for a then-staggering club record of £120,000, but signed for then third tier side Rotherham a year later.
And he quickly made an impact, becoming top scorer when the club got promoted to the Second Division in the 1980-81 season.
After 52 goals in three years for the club, Moore left for Charlton Athletic in 1983, reportedly because of a clash with incoming manager, George Kerr, centred around access to the players' bar.
A season-long stint at Rochdale followed, as well as a three-year return to Tranmere, before retiring from football in 1989.
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Moore's career almost didn't happen at all, his chance of an apprenticeship with Everton wrecked when he was 15 and his mum died of cancer
Credit: Getty
Four years later his son Ian Thomas-Moore made his senior debut for Tranmere, where he made over 50 appearances before a loan spell at Bradford City.
Moore Jr, who followed in his striker dad's footsteps, later became a key player Burnley and Leeds United.
Meanwhile, Moore Sr, who has three other children with wife Ange, managed eight clubs in his career.
But most successful stint as boss was again with Rotherham , where he achieved two consecutive promotions, taking the club from Division Three to Division One.
Moore's career almost didn't happen at all, his chance of an apprenticeship with Everton wrecked when he was 15 and his mum died of cancer in 1969.
He previously told The Star: "Bang, I went off the rails massively. I was out on the Friday when we were playing Saturday, looking for trouble, getting into fights.
"It's ridiculous how you can lose your way. Everton weren't going to put up with that."
He made sausages in the butcher's shop at the Alliance Cash and Carry in Huyton, Liverpool before Tranmere gave him his chance.
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