AN emotional tribute has been paid to Scunthorpe Scorpions team manager Kenny Smith, who has been given just days to live after battling throat cancer for two-and-a-half years.

Smith, 55, was diagnosed with cancer of the neck and throat at the end of the 2006 season, shortly after Scunthorpe had been crowned Conference League champions for the first time.

He has been undergoing a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy but, despite his health problems, has maintained a 100 per cent attendance record as Scorpions team boss throughout the last two years.

His condition has deteriorated in recent weeks, however, and Scunthorpe Scorpions boss Rob Godfrey revealed: "He's been battling throat cancer and sadly it now seems the cancer is winning.

"Basically, they've given him a limited time and we're in the final stages. Anyone who has seen Kenny this year must have known he's seriously ill."

He said Kenny put Scunthorpe Speedway first before his health, which is "a mark of the man".

Mr Godfrey added: "He has been having treatment for a long time but the news that he has only days to live has still come as a massive shock.

"He is really struggling with his voice and his breathing and it has now come to the stage where he is supposed to be going into a hospice near his home in Yarm."

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