MICKEY TAKES ON FIGHT OF HIS LIFE

FOR one of football’s maverick stars, tomorrow night’s FA Cup meeting between two of his former clubs won’t be his sole focus.

The happy-go-lucky world of former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Mickey Thomas (right) has been turned upside down by a cancer diagnosis.

The former Wales international and Wrexham legend has just started chemotherapy, and admits that last week it was a struggle just to get out of bed.

“I just hope I’ll be feeling a bit livelier when I watch the FA Cup game between two of my old clubs,” Thomas said. “It’s tough to really concentrate when you have a massive distraction – one which sees you fighting for your life.”

The impact Thomas, 64, made, not just at these two famous clubs but throughout football, has led to an incredible wave of support from within the game.

“I’ve been astonished by the reaction of people in football,” he said. “Chelsea have sent their good wishes on their website. Manchester United have been absolutely brilliant.

“Ed Woodward [Manchester United executive vice-chairman] has been outstanding, wishing me all the best and saying the club are there for me. I’ve had video messages from the likes of John Terry and Joe Cole. There’s been calls from former players like John Hartson, Robbie Fowler, Alex Stepney, Arthur Albiston, David May – many more. It’s been amazing.”

Thomas suspected there was something wrong when he found it difficult to swallow and after numerous scans was told he had cancer of the esophagus.

“Yes, it’s scary but then you see little kids undergoing the same treatment and that makes you realise that at least you’ve lived a life,” he added.

An online donation page has been set-up to help fund Mickey’s situation. You can donate by going to www. gofundme.com/f/helpmickey-t-fight-cancer