Allardyce, Hughton & Harford Deliver Team Talk Ahead Of Prostate United 2026
Sam Allardyce, Chris Hughton and Mick Harford delivered a team-talk with a difference, as the former managers united to back a new, life-saving club – Prostate United.
The trio, who between them have chalked up over 1,500 competitive games in the managerial hotseat, joined top names from the world of football, business and media in London to celebrate Prostate United at an exclusive ‘Boardroom’ event, supported by TENA Men.
From the Premier League to the grassroots game, and from the boardroom to the boot room, this year’s Prostate United campaign demonstrates that prostate cancer affects every part of the club.
Together, the Prostate United squad is encouraging football fans everywhere to wear the club colours, put in the miles and help save men’s lives by walking or running every day this October and raising money for Prostate Cancer UK.
Join the club that matters more, here.
To kick off the event, Prostate United founders Stephen Gilpin and Ross Burbeary spoke about the origins of the challenge with host, legendary broadcaster Steve Rider, who himself was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023.
Allardyce and Hughton, both members of long-standing Prostate Cancer UK partner the League Managers Association, were then joined by FA Director and former Millwall CEO Andy Ambler for a debate about the beautiful game.
Allardyce, who regularly wore Prostate Cancer UK’s Man of Men badge in the dugout, said: “I’ve worked at quite a few clubs over the years, but Prostate United is one club that matters more. It brings people together, gives them a common goal and shows the power of the football community.
“But this challenge is about more than just football. Every fan and club involved will help Prostate Cancer UK support men and their families, and that’s something every club and supporter can get behind.
“Being part of the Prostate United Boardroom panel alongside Chris, a brilliant man who has made a real impact by sharing his prostate cancer story, was a real honour, and I’m looking forward to the challenge kicking off in October.”
Former Newcastle United, Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Ghana boss Hughton has pledged his support to Prostate United this year after he was diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer last year.
Hughton, said: “My life changed when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. But my story is ultimately a positive one.
“I’m pragmatic by nature but my aim now is to educate and help people and ultimately change the game for men – and football is the perfect platform to do that.
“Teams win, lose and draw across the UK every week, but Prostate United is the only club that matters. This October staff, fans and famous faces will run, walk and compete every day to raise funds to help beat this disease. It’s a fantastic challenge, and good luck to everyone involved.”
Since launching in 2018, Prostate United has raised over £1.5m for Prostate Cancer UK, with fans and clubs from across the UK football pyramid – and beyond – taking part. The challenge was founded by Gilpin and Burbeary, two former colleagues at Rotherham United, who wanted to raise money in memory of Stephen’s grandad who died of prostate cancer in 2010.
“Being diagnosed with prostate cancer was a real body blow, but I can’t understate how important the football family has been to me in that time, especially everyone at Luton Town,” Mick Harford said.
“Football remains a huge force for good, so getting the opportunity to raise awareness of prostate cancer within the beautiful game is really important to me. I always want to get the word out there and if I can help a few people then that’s a real positive.
“Luton Town means everything to me but there is one club that matters more, Prostate United. And this October fans, club staff and famous faces will all run, walk and compete to raise funds and change the game for men.
“I’m so proud to support this brilliant campaign. We all want a future where no man dies from this disease and funds raised from Prostate United will accelerate those efforts. Thanks to everyone getting involved and good luck!”
Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men and is now the most common cancer in the UK. The risk is even higher for Black men, with 1 in 4 likely to be diagnosed during their lifetime.
Join Prostate United and take on the one rival every club faces: prostate cancer. Because every 45 minutes, one man dies from prostate cancer in the UK – that’s half a football match.
So, sign up this October. Walk or run, 5k or 10k, every day. Fundraise alongside fans, players, kit men, physios and gaffers from clubs across the country to see who can make the biggest difference. Join the club that matters more.
To sign for Prostate United, visit: prostateunited.prostatecanceruk.org.
Images: Adrian White, Prostate Cancer UK
