And, having starred for the Shaymen, Fulham, Birmingham and West Brom among other clubs, he will do so with the best wishes of fans from all over the country ringing in his ears.

"The support I have received has been overwhelming," said Horsfield. "It has been fantastic and quite touching.

"Even though I played for Aston Villa and Birmingham, I have received messages of support from Wolves and Villa fans."

The 35-year-old frontman had feared that his playing days would be over when he first received news of his illness.

But being given a clean bill of health has forced him to reconsider his original decision and he is ready to listen to offers from full time clubs, whether in the Football League of the Conference.

"I might have been a little hasty when I said that," he admitted. "I was training at Walsall and trying to get a contract, but I was not under contract with a club.

"When I first got the bad news I felt that football was not the be-all and end-all.

"Everything has been given the all clear and I don't even have to have chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

"I have only just turned 35 and I still fit and strong. I feel I can still play.

"I will get Christmas out of the way and see how things go."

Horsfield is also planning for life after playing and will start on his coaching badges in the New Year.

"I said a couple of years ago that I would concentrate on my construction interests when I had finished playing," he said.

"But having spent six weeks last summer with no club I realised that I missed being round the lads.

"I want to go into coaching and see what happens."

TOWN and Retford United will try to play their Unibond League President's Cup third round clash at the Shay next Tuesday (7.45).

Halifax were left frustrated for the second time in four days when the tie was postponed before midday yesterday with large areas of the pitch still frozen.

Only one of last night's ties - Bamber Bridge against Trafford - actually got underway but the referee at Irongate halted proceedings after 90 minutes with the game tied at 2-2.