Former Barnet striker Jimmy Greaves is recovering in hospital after suffering 'severe' a stroke on Sunday.

The 75-year-old, who made his name with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, was admitted to intensive care on Sunday evening after suffering a serious stroke - three years after a minor one.

After leaving the professional ranks of the game, Greaves, by now 38, joined the Southern League Bees in 1977.

In his first season at Underhill he netted 25 goals from midfield and won the club's Player of the Season award in the process.

But early in the 1978/79 season he elected to leave Barnet in order to focus on his business interests.

Wife Irene today (Tuesday) issued the following statement, providing an update on the condition on the Manor Park-born forward.

She said: "Jimmy is having to do what he is told and understands the seriousness of what has happened to him.

"It is going to be a long, slow road to recovery and he is in the best possible hands.

"On behalf of Jimmy and our family, we would like to thank the many thousands of you who have voiced your support and concern.

"We would greatly appreciate it if the media would allow us privacy for what is going to be a long period of rehabilitation."

Greaves is fourth on England’s all-time list of top scorers with 44 from 57 international fixtures. He netted 132 in 169 games at Stamford Bridge before adding 266 in 379 matches after joining Spurs following a brief spell with Italian giants Milan.