Former clubs wish John Toshack well amid reports he has severe pneumonia

Swansea and Cardiff have wished their former striker John Toshack well following reports that he has been in intensive care in a Barcelona hospital.

According to Spain’s El Diario Vasco, the 72-year-old was hospitalised on Monday due to severe pneumonia after contracting coronavirus and since Saturday has been on a ventilator.

Toshack played for Cardiff prior to his hugely successful spell in the 1970s with Liverpool, and was then player-manager of Swansea.

Swansea posted a message on Twitter on Sunday that said: “The thoughts of everyone at Swansea City are with John Toshack and his family. We are all with you. Keep fighting.”

Meanwhile, Cardiff tweeted: “Keep fighting, Big John. Sending all of our love and best wishes to you and the family.”

The Wales international spent five years with Cardiff before moving in 1970 to Liverpool, who he subsequently helped win a glut of trophies including three league titles, two UEFA Cups and an FA Cup.

He scored 96 goals for the Merseyside outfit and formed a lethal partnership with Kevin Keegan.

Toshack transferred to Swansea in 1978 as player-manager and oversaw their rise through the Football League with three promotions in four seasons.

The management career that followed included two stints in charge of Real Madrid and Wales.

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