Ben Close sends classy message to Portsmouth, Swindon and Republic of Ireland legend during ongoing cancer battle
Ben Close has sent a classy message to Alan McLoughlin during his brave battle with cancer.
The Pompey hall of famer recently revealed he is living with renal cell carcinoma after first being diagnosed with a kidney tumour in September 2012.
McLoughlin made 309 appearances during playing days at Fratton Park before going on to coach the academy and first team.
The ex-Republic of Ireland midfielder is also recognised as a great at Swindon He helped the Robins to Division Three promotion in 1987 before scoring the winning goal in their Division Two play-off final against Sunderland at Wembley in 1990.
In addition, McLoughlin is currently Swindon’s academy manager.
For Pompey's League One clash at the County Ground on Tuesday, a giant flag of the former Man United man adorned the Town End to pay tribute to him during his cancer fight.
And Close – who worked with McLoughlin when coming through the Blues youth ranks – told of his pride when he spotted the tribute ahead of the Blues’ 3-1 defeat.
‘I saw the flag before the game and it just shows what a legend he is at Swindon,’ said Close.
‘I felt proud and was buzzing to see it. It's a great photo. I was looking out for photos on the wall inside the ground and didn't really see any then saw the massive flag of him.
‘I'm close with Macca and had a great relationship with him when he was at the club. He was pivotal for my development and helping me turn out to be the player I am today.
‘I got on really well with him off the pitch as a person, while on the pitch he's such a great coach.
He's such a great guy. I can't talk highly enough of him and really gutted to hear what he's going through, although he won't any sympathy because he's such a good guy.
‘He's a strong character and was great to see the flag of him. It shows the legend that he is in football.’
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