Manager Peter Jackson today revealed that he's facing his biggest battle of all following the news that he's been diagnosed with cancer of the throat.

Jackson made the announcement as he introduced new assistant manager Iffy Onuora to the media, with the City boss facing four weeks of intensive treatment starting in two weeks' time.

"I'm sure everyone knows that I have been struggling with my voice lately and I've been to the hospital over the past three months to have various tests," said Jackson.

"Unfortunately the outcome is that cancerous cells have been found at the back of my through and as a result I'll be undergoing lengthy radiotherapy treatment throughout March so Iffy's appointment was a very important one to make.

"Iffy will have a good two weeks with me and the team before I start my treatment and I couldn't have brought in a better man.

"He was fully aware of the situation before joining the Club and now that I have told the players, directors, staff and supporters I can start to concentrate on Peter Jackson and his health. Football, for the time being, will take a back seat for me but I'm leaving Iffy with a fantastic set of players who will keep improving.

"Before appointing Iffy as my assistant I knew that I had to bring someone in who not only had coaching and managerial experience but also someone I could trust with my life. Iffy has all three of those attributes.

"It's going to be a difficult time for myself and my family so it's good to know that in Iffy and Grant Brown I have two very capable individuals who will be able to continue the good work that the players and I have started.

"This is a huge blow for me but I'm big, strong and positive. I've also got a wonderful job and a great set of people to come back to when I return to work and when I'm back I'll be fitter and stronger and I'll take this club forward."