CITY head of recruitment Greg Abbott will undergo surgery after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

A club statement revealed that Abbott has known about the disease for a number of weeks and will convalesce away from Valley Parade on the advice of medical staff.

But he has already drawn up a list of potential recruits for City to consider over the summer.

Abbott said: “I take my role very seriously and am passionate about developing Bradford City on and off the field.

“It's my club. It may have been a tough season but recruitment is an ongoing process and actually it never stops, neither do I.

“Reluctantly I'll be taking some time away from the club but I'll be back.

“Rest assured I have planned everything in my absence from pre-season friendly fixtures, games for scouts to watch, players to observe and chase so we'll be well placed come the end of the season.”

Senior scout Ian Miller and under-18s and talent coach Martin Drury will oversee the day-to-day recruitment process in Abbott’s absence.

Chairman Edin Rahic said: “We will support Greg and his family in every way possible. We will welcome Greg back as soon as he is fit to do so.”