JASON Cundy, the former Ipswich Town skipper who beat cancer, has been in heart-to-heart talks with the Blues' assistant manager Dale Roberts.Roberts has started chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and has described the support from Cundy as "especially helpful and reassuring".

By Dave Allard

JASON Cundy, the former Ipswich Town skipper who beat cancer, has been in heart-to-heart talks with the Blues' assistant manager Dale Roberts.

Roberts has started chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and has described the support from Cundy as "especially helpful and reassuring".

Cundy, who quit football at Portsmouth last year due to knee trouble, was hit by testicular

cancer during his time at Portman Road.

He said today: "Dale is a good mate of mine, someone I get on well with socially and respect professionally. I've spoken to him to offer all the help and support I can.

"I've told him that he's got a big battle on his hands, but he's just got to get on with it. He is in great spirits and I'm sure he can remain in great spirits even though there will be some tough times ahead.

"I've told him that he's got to be positive and to listen to the doctors and people such as myself who have been through it. For a time after chemotherapy you don't feel bad at all. But then you go through an uneasy and rather uncomfortable period.

"I've told Dale what to expect. He's a tough lad who will cope with it well I'm sure. I know he'll get terrific support from family and friends together with so many other people connected with the football club and beyond."

Cundy, the former England Under 21 international central defender who also played for Chelsea and Tottenham, added: "Getting cancer certainly makes you put life firmly in perspective. It happened with me and I'm sure it's happening with Dale now.

"I will always be there for him when he needs me and will be talking with him again soon."

Roberts says: "Jason is a great lad who was a tremendously popular figure when at this club. We all felt for him when he went through his cancer ordeal and it's tremendous that, even though he lives down in Hampshire these days, that he's taken the time to speak to me."

Town boss George Burley said: "Dale is as cheerful as ever. He's going to fight this tooth and nail and I've no doubt that he'll overcome it.

"Every inch of support will be given to him as he continues his chemotherapy."