LEGENDARY ex-Ipswich Town and England manager Sir Bobby Robson has revealed he is to undergo surgery to remove a brain tumour.The 73-year-old was taken ill while watching Town two weeks ago and was suspected to have suffered a stroke.

LEGENDARY Ipswich Town and England manager Sir Bobby Robson has revealed he is to undergo surgery to remove a brain tumour.

The 73-year-old was taken ill while watching Town two weeks ago and was suspected to have suffered a stroke.

But extensive tests carried out since have revealed a “very small tumour”, believed to be the size of a grape, which will be removed on Wednesday. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Sir Bobby said: “I had a scan to assess why I felt unwell and had to leave the game at Ipswich early, and the doctors discovered a small, operable tumour that caused an affliction on the left side of my face.

“On Wednesday I will have an operation to remove the tumour and, as surgeons tell me the rest of my body is clean, I should be able to make a full recovery.

“The tumour is in my brain, which sounds bad, but it is in a position where it can be removed easily and it's extremely small - the size of a grape - which indicates they have caught it early.

“Apart from the funny turn at the match I have felt great, so it's a bit annoying that I have to go into hospital again.

“Having successfully fought cancer three times, I am confident of getting through this as well.”

The Co Durham-born footballing statesman, who went on to manage his boyhood heroes Newcastle United, had a golf ball-sized tumour removed from a lung in May.

In 1995 he was discovered to have a rare form of skin cancer behind an eye, and underwent complex surgery which left him needing a rubber plug in his mouth.

Three years before that he survived bowel cancer.

Sir Bobby, currently an international consultant for the Republic of Ireland, took England to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup.

Prior to that he made his name at Ipswich, winning the FA Cup in 1978 and the UEFA Cup in 1981.

He went on to manage with great success across Europe, before ending his club career at Newcastle United.

A spokeswoman thanked his fans for their good wishes.

In a statement, she said: “Since being taken ill at Ipswich Town Football Club on 5th August, Sir Bobby Robson has undergone extensive tests to determine the cause of the problem.

“Sir Bobby has been diagnosed with a very small tumour on his brain and will undergo surgery this week to remove it. He is in good spirits and his doctors anticipate a complete recovery.

“Sir Bobby would like to take this opportunity of thanking the many well wishers who have inquired about his health.”

And last night, Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks said he had wished Sir Bobby well on behalf of everyone involved in the club.

He added: “Of course, such an operation is of great concern, but I think it's good news that this surgery can be undertaken and I understand that he has had encouragement from his specialists that he can make a full recovery.

“I have exchanged messages over the weekend and I'm pleased to report that Sir Bobby is in a positive and upbeat frame of mind, and knowing him as I do, if anyone can overcome this then he can.

“Typically, he was concerned to hear the latest news from the team and was pleased that Jim's side turned the corner on Saturday.

“On behalf of all Ipswich Town Football Club staff and supporters I have sent him and his family our warmest good wishes for a speedy recovery.

“Our thoughts will be with him on Wednesday.”