MIDDLESBROUGH legend John Hickton has thanked the 'brilliant fans' who helped him in his battle against cancer

The former Ayresome Park striker is appearing at Eston Labour Club later this month to talk about his career and life

Hickton was diagnosed with skin cancer and says he’s been overwhelmed by support from fans.

In April, Big John was due to attend a reunion of Jack Charlton’s 1973-74 promotion-winning squad at the North Ormesby Working Men’s Club.

But after his cancer diagnosis he reluctantly dropped out - despite being one of the mainstays of that legendary team.

Famed for his goalscoring exploits and thunderous penalties, the Chesterfield-born striker scored nearly 200 goals for Boro and is third in the club’s all-time appearance list, behind Gordon Jones and Tim Williamson.

And later this month, with his cancer treatment having gone well, he’ll lift the lid on his life and career in “An Evening With John Hickton” at Eston Labour Club.

Hosted by BBC Tees presenter Paul “Goffy” Gough, it will be the first time Hickton has discussed his career in front of a live audience.

And he admits the tremendous support from Teesside has helped his recovery.

He said: “It is brilliant to be back to full health. The thousands of messages that have arrived my way in recent months have totally blown me away.

“The lovely get well messages on social media have arrived from every corner of the globe and I can’t thank the fans enough.

“You often think that time will fade memories, but the health issue simply brought so much back to me via the sheer volume of messages and contact.”

And Hickton said many messages recalled particular games and goals - and that infamous penalty run-up.

He said: “That game against Oxford back in the 60s is always one that people talk about. I think everyone in Middlesbrough and surrounding areas was in the ground that night when we won promotion under Stan Anderson!

“The emotions of it all are still on instant recall - a truly magical evening for the town.”

Hickton, 74, who lives in Chesterfield with wife Rosemary, thinks the evening could be an emotional night.

He said: “I have never done anything like this and it will be lovely to recall all of those great personal memories with those brilliant fans.

“I was hugely proud to wear he shirt and always gave my all for the fans. They were brilliant to me and those times are still very much a part of me today.”

An Evening With John Hickton (plus special guests) will be at the Eston Labour Club, Fabian Road, Middlesbrough, on Friday, September 27 at 8.15pm.

Tickets are £20 from the club on 01642 454642, from Goffy Media on 07990 588424 or www.wegottickets.com/GoffyMedia