The Tannadice legend stunned the football world on Monday when he announced he was suffering from Parkinson's disease, but quickly allayed fears over his health by insisting that he has the condition under control with drugs.

Despite this, the ex-Scotland striker has been inundated with goodwill messages from both the public and figures within football, with the notoriously fastidious McLean leading the tributes.

The wily striker was a mainstay of McLean's team which won the league championship in 1983 and starred in the club's UEFA Cup final defeat to Gothenburg in 1987.

Sturrock, who was sacked from the United manager's post by his former mentor in 2000, insists he only went public about his health problems because he no longer wanted to keep it secret. Although he warned on Monday that he didn't want sympathy, he has been bowled over by the reaction.

"The kind words and messages I've had from everyone is very appreciated," said Sturrock last night.

"I didn't come out and tell people for that reason, though, it's just that I'm an honest person and I don't like hiding things.

"It's not something I intend to make a big deal of but, still, it's nice to know that people care.

"I read Geoff Brown saying good things and even Jim McLean also came out with some nice stuff. It's nice to hear Jim praising someone for a change, it's not really in his make-up so it's a bit special when it happens!"

Even away from the world of football, Sturrock has had messages of support from a diverse range of people. He added: "I've found that there are plenty of people who care and they are from all walks of life, from people in football to your normal man in the street.

"The amount of emails I've had and messages which have been sent to the club has been amazing and I'd like to thank everyone for that."

Around 500 United fans are expected to make the 14-hour journey to Plymouth for today's friendly and will show their appreciation for the Tannadice legend during the 90 minutes.

Although it is with the tangerine half of Dundee where he is always going to be most revered, Sturrock has maintained a good relationship with the fans of every club he's managed and believes that his honesty and appreciation of supporters' passion is what has helped him form those bonds.

Sturrock, who last night met with a contingent of United fans in his local pub, said: "I've got to admit, I'm probably the luckiest manager ever because I've got a great rapport with the fans of all the clubs I've managed.

"United, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon and St Johnstone – every time I meet a supporter the reaction is positive.

"Usually when you've had the sack or leave folk can't wait to see the back of you but I've genuinely not felt that.

"I think that's just because I'm honest, I don't try to kid anyone on and I'm appreciative of the role fans play in their clubs.

"I like to keep fans in the know and tell them as much as I can. Supporters respect that and I think that's why I get on with them.

"I enjoy the company of fans, I like listening to them and hearing what they've got to say about their team."