Forfar Athletic and the wider community of Scottish football have rallied in support of Loons boss Dick Campbell after learning the 57-year-old is facing a cancer fight.
As he prepares for a crucial consultant’s appointment at the end of the week, Campbell vowed to fight the disease head on with the positive approach and determination which has brought him success in the game as both a player and manager.
He told The Courier he had been inundated with messages of support throughout Tuesday after news of his fight became public following the diagnosis of kidney cancer.
“They have caught it by accident and I will find out more later this week, but it’s treatable and if they want a fight against this I will give them a fight,” he said.
“I’m totally shellshocked for myself and everyone close to me, but I’m a positive guy — I always have been and that is how I will deal with this.”
Brother and Station Park assistant Ian will take charge of the side in the meantime, with experienced coaches John Young and John Ritchie also well-established behind the Forfar scenes.
“The main issue for me is to build up my strength so I can deal whatever is in front of me the best way I can,” he added.
The manager can expect huge support from officials and fans at Forfar, none more so than Station Park chairman Neill Wilson, who himself has staged a courageous comeback from throat cancer. His manager’s feat of leading the side to a Scottish Cup tie against Rangers in 2009 proved an unlikely spur in Mr Wilson’s own personal fightback.
“When Dick has his appointment later this week he will know what is in front of him, but he just has to stay positive and it goes without saying that he has the best wishes and support of everybody at Forfar in fighting this,” said the chairman.
“If his situation is anything like the one I faced then I know he will be getting the best of treatment and I know Dick will deal with this is in as positive a way as possible.
“His wife and boys may be the ones that will need support and I am sure they will receive that.”