Former Ghana national football team coach Chris Hughton has disclosed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April last year.

The 67-year-old said the condition was detected early, and he underwent successful surgery in May.

“The news certainly didn’t scare me,” he told the Daily Mail.

“I know everyone is different, but my first impression was ‘I’ll be fine’. I didn’t instantly think ‘this is probably just going to kill me’. I just thought, ‘OK, we’ll have to do what we have to do’.”

During his playing career, Hughton featured prominently for Tottenham Hotspur, making 398 appearances and winning a UEFA Cup and two FA Cups in the early 1980s. He later played for West Ham United and Brentford, and earned 53 caps for the Republic of Ireland national team.

He went on to build a managerial career, leading Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion to promotion to the Premier League, and also managing Birmingham City, Norwich City and Nottingham Forest. He most recently served as head coach of Ghana.

“I had very good advice and all the treatment options were given to me, and I decided to have my prostate removed. The recovery has gone really well,” he said.

“I’m one year post-operation and I feel good. It’s all gone very well. I’ve got a lot of energy.”

Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer UK, Laura Kerby, described Hughton’s experience as encouraging but stressed the need for greater awareness.

“Chris’ story is ultimately a positive one. But it’s also a timely reminder of the dangers of prostate cancer and we thank him for sharing his story in the football community, and helping men,” she said.

She added that prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK and noted the absence of a national screening programme, urging increased awareness as early stages often show no symptoms.