The wife of former Tottenham and England striker Jimmy Greaves has said he is is aware of the seriousness of the stroke he suffered on May 3.

The 75-year-old is currently in intensive care in Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

The former Chelmsford City player is the father of ex-Witham Town FC manager Danny Greaves and is also a founding shareholder of the Notleys Golf Club in Witham.

His wife, Irene, issued a statement on Tuesday saying his recovery would be a long and slow process.

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."

Mr Greaves had a minor stroke in 2012, but appeared to have made a full recovery.

He was due to be inducted into the Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame on May 13 at a ceremony at White Hart Lane.

Friend and fellow golf club shareholder Mike Jones said Mr Greaves was a former director at the club but had been less involved in recent years.

He said: “Hopefully he’s going to pull through, he’s a very, very good man. I’m very upset really.

“The last time I saw him was three weeks ago and he seemed alright then.”

Mr Greaves, who lives in Great Baddow, spent nine seasons at Tottenham during one of the most successful periods of the club's history.

Tottenham posted a message of support on their official Twitter feed shortly after the news of Mr Greaves' stroke emerged.

It said: "Everyone at the club wishes Jimmy Greaves a speedy recovery after he suffered a stroke yesterday.

"Our thoughts are with Jimmy and his family at this difficult time."