Former Newcastle United owner Sir John Hall confirmed on Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer. Hall was quoted on the Newcastle Chronicle website as saying: "I just went for a routine test and found out I had aggressive prostate cancer.

"Since then I've just been trying to come to terms with it. I will need to go in for treatment. I'll be having radiotherapy.

"I've been in for X-rays on the cancer ward and had it confirmed. It's another battle I'm going to fight. They can't cure it, all they can do is try and slow it down."

Hall also expressed his delight at seeing the Magpies secure promotion to the Premier League.

"The promotion is great news. I'm delighted for the team, delighted," he said.

"I went on Monday and watched them get promotion. It took me back to Grimsby, when we won promotion there. It was a great moment.

"Monday night took away some of the hardship I've felt since I was told about the cancer. It gave me a lift because I'm just a Newcastle fan at heart. It gave me a huge lift after having a tough time.

"I want to be around to see them back in the Premier League now."