Former Peterborough United player and manager Grant McCann has revealed he was diagnosed with skin cancer last winter and has undergone treatment. The current Doncaster Rovers boss opened up about his health battle in an interview with the Doncaster Free Press on Thursday.
McCann, who led Posh to promotion and managed the club twice, described the moment he received the diagnosis. He said, "If I want to talk about pressure, I think the pressure that came on me at Christmas time last year when the doctor came to see me at the training ground to tell me I had an illegitimate melanoma, which is skin cancer. That's pressure."
The Northern Irishman was told he had malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. He has since received treatment over the past year. McCann contrasted this personal challenge with the everyday pressures of football management, where his Doncaster side are currently fighting relegation in League One.
While managing his health, McCann has also been steering Doncaster Rovers through a difficult season. They sit in the League One relegation zone, a stark contrast to his previous success in winning the League Two title with the club. His comments came amidst discussion of the pressures facing his squad.
The news emerges as Peterborough United, the club where McCann made his name as a player and a boss, are also handling a tough start to their campaign. Posh currently sit in a low position in League One, having taken just a few points from their opening matches. Their next test is an away trip to face Milton Keynes Dons. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page.
Having received treatment, McCann is now focused on his managerial duties. He emphasised the strength within his Doncaster squad despite their league position. "There's lots of pressure in football." he added. Peterborough United supporters, many of whom remember his contributions at London Road, will be wishing him a full recovery as his former club prepares for its key match this weekend.
