BREAKING NEWS: Rangers announce legendary goalkeeper Andy Goram, 58, has died after short battle with oesophagaeal cancer
- Rangers have announced the death of former goalkeeper Andy Goram aged 58
- Goram revealed in may that he was diagnosed with terminal oesophagaeal cancer
- Given just six months to live, the Rangers legend vowed to ‘fight like I’ve never fought before’
- Goram made 260 appearances for Rangers, winning 10 trophies including five league titles
- He also played 43 times for Scotland and was No 1 at the Euros in 1992 and 1996
Rangers have announced the death of former goalkeeper Andy Goram after losing his battle with cancer.
The 58-year-old was a club legend, making 260 appearances for Rangers between 1991 and 1998. He won five league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups in that time.
In May Rangers revealed that Goram was diagnosed with terminal oesophageal cancer and was given just six months to live.
Goram initially mistook his illness for bad indigestion, but after a scan at Monklands Hospital he was told he had level four oesophageal cancer.
The 58-year-old reportedly turned down chemotherapy after being told it would only give him another 12 weeks, and said he would ‘fight like I’ve never fought before’.
Speaking to the Daily Record in May, Goram said: ‘Take chemotherapy and be in agony for the sake of an extra three months and zero quality of life? No thanks. Chemotherapy is off the menu.
Rangers have announced that club legend and goalkeeper Andy Goram has died aged 58
In May Goram revealed he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given six months to live
‘I’ve been given other drugs I’m not attempting to pronounce. Getting all these pills hit home just how serious this situation is. I need to take my medication religiously or I’m in big trouble.’
‘My pain is manageable. I can still go see friends and supporters’ clubs and still be myself.
‘I’ll be here as long as I possibly can. I’ll fight like I’ve never fought before. The only difference is the timebomb ticking away.’
Goram was beloved by Rangers fans and is synonymous with some of the most glorious times in the club’s history. In a supporters’ poll in 1999 Goram was voted the greatest Rangers goalkeeper of all time.
Goram made 43 appearances for Scotland and was No 1 at both Euros in 1992 and 1996
WHAT IS OESOPHAGEAL CANCER?
Oesophageal cancer is a disease caused by tumours growing in the food pipe between the mouth and stomach.
The cancer is most common among people in their 60s and 70s and affects more men than it does women.
It can be hard to spot because it doesn’t cause any symptoms in its earlier stages, and only becomes noticed once the tumour has grown.
And its initial symptoms are often mistaken for common and benign issues.
Signs of the disease include difficulty swallowing, persistent indigestion or heartburn, loss of appetite, weight loss, and pain in the torso, chest or back.
Six out of 10 patients die within a year of being diagnosed, according to Cancer Research UK.
Only 12 per cent of people survive for 10 years after a diagnosis.
The exact cause of the disease isn’t well known but smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight or having an unhealthy diet are believed to increase someone’s risk of getting it.
Sources: NHS and Cancer Research UK
He began his professional career at Oldham after coming through the ranks at West Brom before he was released as a teenager.
He made almost 200 league appearance for the Latics after joining the club in 1981, earning himself a £325,000 move to Scottish side Hibernian six years later.
After impressing during four seasons with Hibs, Rangers paid £1million to sign Goram in 1991 and he went on to become both their No 1.
Goram left Rangers in 1998 and spent time on loan at Manchester United, making two league appearances
Goram had brief spells at Notts County and Sheffield United after leaving Rangers in 1998 before returning to Scotland for three seasons with Motherwell.
It was during this spell that he went on loan to Manchester United, making two league appearances after the Red Devils were left short of senior goalkeepers.
Such was Goram’s ability that he was named the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year for 1992/93.
Goram also won 43 caps for Scotland and was No 1 at both European Championships in 1992 and 1996.
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