Scott Parker sends David Brooks message of support following cancer diagnosis

"He's a liked and loved member of the squad"

Scott Parker has sent David Brooks a message of support following the Bournemouth and Wales midfielder's cancer diagnosis. Brooks confirmed on Wednesday that he had been diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma - which is a cancer of the lymphatic system - and will begin treatment next week. Bournemouth head coach Scott Parker has stated that he has 'no doubts' the 24-year-old will "come out fighting". 

"The players will do everything they can to make sure he and his family will be supported throughout this."

The Welshman has made a strong start to the current campaign, scoring three goals in nine games for the Cherries. 

He was on international duty when Wales' medical team discovered the illness.

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Parker says the club have rallied around Brooks in recent days following the devastating news. 

"The main focus now is supporting him, his family and getting him through what will be a tough time," said the former Fulham manager. 

"We will get the mechanisms in place to give him the strength and help him pull through, which will be difficult.

"He's on the road to recovery now, he will come out the back of this and he's going to be fighting and be the best David Brooks we all love and know."

The Bournemouth boss - who has worked with Brooks since becoming head coach in June - revealed that he and the entire squad had spoken in detail about the midfielder's diagnosis.

"The conversations I have had so far with the players are ones where we will support him through everything," he stated.

"We're all determined to make sure we can get him back out doing the stuff he loves. My one focus for the past week has been making sure he is in the best place, seeing the best people and getting the best treatment.

"That's not just me though, that's everyone at the football club."

Bournemouth fans are planning to hold a minutes applause for the No 7 in the seventh minute of the Cherries' Championship fixture at Bristol City on Saturday.

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