Wrexham’s Leader newspaper reports that former Vale winger Steve Fox (pictured right) is facing a life-threatening battle against cancer.
Fox, who made 82 Vale appearances between 1982 and 1984 has been told by doctors that if left untreated he would only have six months left to live.
Fox, now aged 54 and now living in Tamworth with his wife and two sons is now embarking on major treatment which may prolong his life for a number of years.
Fox told the newspaper: “I think this cancer may have been caused by stress.
“The doctors said I had six months to live if it went untreated.
“The medication I am starting now may give me a few years. We will have to see. I’m 54 and I have had a life.”
His son Daniel added: “We are totally shocked. Up until just two months ago he was as fit as a fiddle, running a landscaping business and cycling regularly.
“My dad is about to start taking a new drug which we hope will be able to slow the cancer down.”
Fox was signed on a free transfer from Wrexham in 1982 and proved to be a key player in the 1982-1983 promotion side. His tricky wingplay set up numerous chances for striker Bob Newton and when on song, Fox was practically unplayable. He fell out of favour in the following season and left to Chester City.
Rob Fielding, editor of OVF commented: “The 1982-1983 season was the first full Port Vale season that I watched and Steve Fox was one of my original Vale heroes.
“When Fox got the ball, an audible sound of excitement could be heard from the crowd. He was that sort of player – the winger who could win a match with a moment of genius. A real crowd pleaser.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of his battle against cancer and I hope to pass on all the good luck messages that we receive.
Steve and his family are in our thoughts right now. All of us at OVF would like to pass on our best wishes and we hope that the new treatment proves a success. ”
Steve Fox. Valiant Hero, 1982 to 1984. Our thoughts are with you
Stop Press: Thanks to Red Passion (a Wrexham fansite) and Wrexham FC, OVF now have contact details for the Fox family, Please post your best wishes to Steve Fox below and we’ll ensure that they are forwarded to Steve and his family:
All the best Steve with fight ahead you can do it Mate! I enjoyed watching you play for my beloved Vale!
Best goal I have ever seen was by a Jimmy Greenhoff volley from a Steve Fox corner!! Good luck with your battle mate.
Good luck Foxy,
You used to beat defenders with ease for the Vale – all the best in beating this disease. You are not forgotten.
All my best wishes Steve. You were one of the players which gave us our pride back and I shall always remember with great fondness your wing play. Oh how I wish we could turn the clock back eh mate.
Remember ‘once a valiant always a valiant’.
stevie fox is always running ! keep on running foxy and keep on enjoying life .
a vale legend who’s name can still be heard sung today .
Good luck with your battle against illness.I can still see you jinking down the win with big Bob and Ernie waiting in the middle to terrorise any defenders who got in their way.
you never forget your first footballing heroes, fox,newton and moss were mine.
Here’s hoping you and your family have the strength and support to see you overcome these difficult times
Steve Fox – my first genuine hero when I was six years old standing on the Paddock. Best wishes to you Steve, never give in.
The best winger Vale have ever had. You can beat this like you did so many left backs. All the very best.
good luck steve,one of my favourite vale players,i can see you now turning players inside out on the wing,all the best matey.
You were a class act at Vale Steve and you gave me a great deal of excitement.I wish you all the best and good luck for the future. Keep fighting
you were such a great guy and we have got some good and funny memories from our cb days when you lived in Llay. We hope the treatment goes well and are thinking about you and helen and your boys. If you read this it would be nice to get in touch again . keep on fighting mate love kevin , carol and family