Former Newcastle United owner Sir John Hall has cancer

Sir John admits he has a long battle ahead of him

Former Newcastle United owner Sir John Hall has revealed he is fighting prostate cancer.

The 77-year-old, who is also known for building the Gateshead MetroCentre complex, is waiting to begin treatment at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.

Sir John, who famously brought Kevin Keegan to Newcastle, said the disease was discovered during a routine blood test earlier this year.

He said he has been told the condition cannot be cured.

Steve Wraith, owner of Newcastle United supporters' publication Players Inc magazine, said family and close friends had known about Sir John's condition for some time.

He said: "He'll make a fight of this. Sir John is no shrinking violet.

"Everyone is aware that this is a very aggressive form of cancer, but Sir John wanted to keep it all low key and do things quietly.

"He has definitely left his mark on the region and I have a lot of time and admiration for him."

Sir John sold his majority shareholding in Newcastle United to present owner Mike Ashley in 2007 and is now life president of the club.

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