Peterborough United legend Tommy Robson diagnosed with motor neurone disease

Peterborough United club legend Tommy Robson has revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The 75-year-old made 559 appearances for Posh as a player - a club record.

He was also the first player to be inducted into Peterborough's Hall of Fame.

In total, he spent 13 years at the club between 1968 and 1981, scoring 128 goals.

He also had a spell at Northampton Town earlier in his career.

  • Watch Tommy Robson set-up a goal for Peterborough United against Leeds United in 1974

He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease after complaining of cramps in his hands and arms.

Although the disease is incurable, he says he's determined to live as normal life as possible.

He told ITV News Anglia: "It takes you back a bit (to be told that there's no cure). It's like when I was playing and the manager coming up and saying: 'You'll never score another goal.' But you think, well, I will!

"As soon as she (the consultant) said it, I thought: 'Yeah, we'll see about that.'

"We won't give up. I've had illnesses before, long-term ones, and managed to cope with them so we'll keep going. We'll keep the smile on my face and do our best for people."

Tommy Robson still works at Peterborough United, 50 years after he first joined. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Robson joined Posh from Newcastle United in a then club record £20,000 deal in 1968.

Despite his roots in the North East, he fell in love with the club and has lived in the area ever since.

He still works for the club as a matchday host, and will continue to do so for as long as his health allows.

"People come here and have a good experience and that's what Posh do for people. I do not want anything to affect that," he said.

"So, as soon as anything does affect that, I want people to tell me if I haven't realised myself and then I will stand down and just watch the games as a supporter."

  • Watch an extended interview with Tommy Robson

As things stand, Robson is still able to walk and doctors are happy for him to carry on driving for the time being.

He's no stranger to adversity having already recovered from Jaundice in the twenties, and a triple bypass heart operation in his sixties.

There will come a time when the disease will develop further, but until then, Robson says he's just going to take each day as it comes.

"It is something to contend with (being in a wheelchair), but if it keeps you mobile and gets me around, and I still see people, it's OK," said Robson.

"I love people, I love being with people, that's why I love this job. I've been so taken aback by what's been put on the internet.

"My son was reading out some of the messages, and I can't thank people enough. That gives you an another incentive, I don't want to go anywhere - I'm staying here!"