BRAVE BARDEN VOWS TO RETURN
Livingston players and staff rally around on-loan goalkeeper after shock diagnosis
LIVINGSTON players and staff have rallied round Dan Barden after it was revealed that the on-loan Norwich City goalkeeper had been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The news was confirmed in a joint statement by Livingston and his parent club yesterday, with the 20-year-old saying he was confident of beating cancer and getting back out on the pitch.
Barden, who joined the Lions on a season-long deal from the Canaries during the summer, will take a break from football while he receives treatment.
The Wales Under-21 international’s only appearance for Livingston so far this season came in July’s Premier Sports Cup group win over Cowdenbeath.
He last appeared on the bench for the September 25 defeat at Hearts, with his absence from the squad for the defeat to St Mirren a week later initially being cited as being for personal reasons.
Livingston player/assistant manager Marvin Bartley was among those who took to social media to send a message to Barden.
The midfielder said: “You’ve got this big man, we’re all right behind you!”
Right-back Nicky Devlin said: “Absolutely horrific news, everyone at the club is with you every step of the way Dan!”, while midfielder Keaghan Jacobs added: “Horrible news Dan! We are all with you! Praying for a speedy recovery.”
Defender Jack Fitzwater also said: “With you all the way big man! Praying for a speedy recovery.”
Livingston back-up keeper and coach Gary Maley said: “Absolutely horrific news, everyone is with you big man!!”
Speaking about his diagnosis, Barden said: “It has been a very difficult and challenging period, but the support of my family, friends and colleagues has helped get me through the last few weeks.
“I can’t thank the medical departments at both Norwich and Livingston enough, as well as everyone at the Royal Marsden Hospital. The speed at which everything has moved has been crazy, but everyone has been absolutely brilliant with me.
“Both [Norwich manager] Daniel Farke and the Livingston manager, David Martindale, have also been very supportive.
“The initial diagnosis was a real shock for me, but the positive thing is that we’ve caught it early and the prognosis and next steps have all been positive.
“I’m optimistic and have a positive mindset. I’m confident that I’ll be able to beat it and that I’ll be back out there doing what I love soon.
“I’d like to thank everyone around me for their support. I know that the coming period will be challenging and would ask for privacy for me and my family at this stage. Where possible, I’ll do what I can to update on my progress.
“Thank you once again for the support. See everyone soon.”
Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber said: “Everyone at Norwich City wishes Dan a speedy recovery. Our love and thoughts are with him and his family as he starts this latest challenge in his life.
“Dan is part of our family and we look out for our own. He knows we are with him every step of the way.
“The care and attention Dan has had so far has been top class. We thank everyone who has looked out for him and we are grateful for Livingston for acting on Dan’s symptoms and alerting us.
“We can’t wait to welcome Dan back to Carrow Road and the Lotus Training Centre.”