GREAVES SERIOUSLY ILL AFTER SEVERE STROKE
JIMMY GREAVES was in intensive care last night after suffering a severe stroke. The legendary former Chelsea, Tottenham and England goalscorer was rushed into hospital on Sunday after being taken ill. His family revealed the 75-year-old had suffered a minor stroke in 2012 from which he appeared to have made a full recovery before confirming the serious nature of his current condition. Thousands of good-luck messages were sent to him after the news broke yesterday. A statement from his family said: ‘Football legend Jimmy Greaves suffered a severe stroke on Sunday and is in intensive care in hospital. ‘His wife Irene and four children have asked for privacy during what is a worrying time for the family. ‘They will issue a bulletin on his condition when it is appropriate.’ Greaves had been working regularly on the personal-appearances circuit as well as spending time with his family and grandchildren. A legend as a player, he is fourth on England’s all-time list of top scorers with 44 goals from 57 internationals, and his exploits for first Chelsea then Tottenham shattered records. He scored 132 goals in 169 games at Stamford Bridge, then 266 in 379 matches after joining Spurs following a brief spell in Italy. He is also fondly remembered for his TV career when his Saint and Greavsie show with Ian St John revolutionised football coverage by providing analysis as well as action for the first time. Former Scotland international St John was among those sending messages yesterday. Greaves’ agent used his client’s Twitter account to reveal: ‘We have had thousands of get well messages inc one from a devastated Ian St John. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts at this time.’ Tottenham themselves Tweeted: ‘Everyone at the club wishes Jimmy Greaves a speedy recovery, our thoughts are with him.’ And Sir Geoff Hurst, who replaced Greaves in England’s starting side in the 1966 World Cup, said: ‘Thinking of my friend and one of our greats this morning.’