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Former Watford players hoping to raise money for ex-Aston Villa winger Nigel Callaghan

10:40am Saturday 20th March 2010 in


Watford's Former Players Association are hoping to arrange a benefit match to raise money for former Hornets winger Nigel Callaghan, who has been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Callaghan, who played more than 250 games for Watford in the 1980s, was diagnosed with cancer in November and started chemotherapy this week.

The 47-year-old is now a successful DJ but has been unable to work since painful surgery in January.

The former Derby County winger was diagnosed with arthritis a year ago and it was during a routine blood test when the doctor discovered some abnormal blood cells and he went for further examinations.

Callaghan, pictured, told Radio Derby: "I went along thinking it was going to be a routine procedure but when I was lying down looking at the TV screen, the doctor found something, turned to me and said 'that doesn't look good'.

"He pointed at the screen and said 'do you know what that is?' When I said 'no', he told me 'that's a tumour'.

"There was an eerie silence. You don't know what to say or think. As soon as you hear the word 'cancer', you think 'is that it for me?"

Callaghan joined Derby in 1987 and was with the Rams for two years before joining Aston Villa in 1989.

His close friend Lee Poulter is in the process of arranging a benefit match in the Derby area and Watford FPA founder Neil Price, who played with Callaghan when the Hornets reached the FA Cup final in 1984, is talking to representatives from the Rams about arranging a charity match.

No details have been agreed yet but it is hoped something could be arranged for the summer.

Comments(10)

BuRP says...
10:58am Sat 20 Mar 10

That's shocking news. Best of luck in your recovery from this scourge of a disease Nigel. You gave thousands of fans repeated fantastic entertainment over the years and I'm sure they will want to add their best wishes to you on here. I wish you better health.Keep fighting the good fight.
BuRP

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rousman 2 says...
12:58pm Sat 20 Mar 10

All the best Nigel, got know him when he coached the under 18's at Beaconsfield FC. He once told me he felt he was not given enough credit when at WFC by the fans, I told him he was wrong but at the time it was all JB JB. He was one of the best dead ball player's we have ever had (fact) & when he coached the boy's he was top draw. Once again all the best Nigel & here is to a full recovery.

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Oxhey Village Hornet says...
3:44pm Sat 20 Mar 10

You are always in the starting 11 of our best ever team with everyone I know. A true example of the word 'Legend' - All the best with your current challenge.

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John Howard Norfolk says...
4:47pm Sat 20 Mar 10

I am so surprised - and sorry - to learn this news of Cally's poor health and send my heartfelt wishes for a complete recovery.
What can we long distance fans do to support the benefit game?

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pete50 says...
6:13pm Sat 20 Mar 10

Somewhat incongrous headline "former Watford players hope to raise money for ex Aston Villa winger" - what about ex Watford winger???
Best wishes for a recovery to Cally though.

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the sniper says...
7:30pm Sat 20 Mar 10

Best wishes for a speedy recovery Nigel,a true legend in a Watford shirt some great performances are well remembered,get well soon mate!!!!

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pfwhornets says...
7:43pm Sat 20 Mar 10

A terrific guy who doesn't deserve this. He took time out in 1985 during the summer, with Tom Walley to take training sessions for me and the rest of my team each Thursday afternoon at Woodside. Wasn't getting paid for it but was passionate with the training as he was playing down that right wing. Here's to a full recovery.

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Lutherr says...
10:26pm Sat 20 Mar 10

Agree with all of the above which made me reflect on my best NC moment. A fantastic 30 yard screamer into the top corner one night against Man City. Beckham aside, one of the best strikers and crossers of a ball I have seen.

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BigDaveH says...
9:15am Sun 21 Mar 10

An artist on the pitch and great fun in the disco, get well soon Calli.

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Mick Jones says...
5:16pm Mon 22 Mar 10

An absolute legend,he would be in my best 5 a side team let alone 11. all the best for a speedy recovery. I much preferred the one against West Ham though..keep your spirits up and see you at the Vic real soon.

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