‘I was a rich footballer – and a gambling addict’

“When I couldn’t play football because of injury, I’d be sat on my settee. I’d have boredom, I’d have time – and I’d have the money. That’s when the bets escalated and I was totally out of control,” says a former professional footballer.

Dean Sturridge, born in Birmingham, was a successful striker, notably playing in the Premier League for Derby County, Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as having spells at Sheffield United and Kidderminster Harriers.

But behind the scenes, he was struggling with a serious gambling addiction.

Sturridge is the newest ambassador for the gambling support charity Gordon Moody, which first brought the Gamblers Anonymous concept from the US to the UK in 1971.

“I know the feeling of being in addiction, being lonely, being isolated, feeling guilt, feeling shame, feeling embarrassment,” said Sturridge, now 51. “Everybody’s story is unique, but I’m hoping I can inspire just one person.”

Sturridge’s gambling problem began when he was young but became worse when he was faced with the fame and fortune of becoming a professional footballer. He remains Derby County’s record goalscorer in the Premier League.

“My first signing-on fee was a big figure,” he explained. “It was supposed to be going down to buy my first car, a Ford Fiesta Firefly.

“I couldn’t pay for it because I’d lost my signing-on fee within hours of it going into my account.”

Sturridge ended up borrowing money from a team-mate to pay for the car.

“I’d be going from the bookie to the bank… writing cheques out and going into the branch, then withdrawing money.

Sturridge acknowledges his salary allowed him to finance his addiction – but he felt the impact in other areas.

“When I’d be with my children [and my wife], some of the time I’d be on my phone putting a bet on,” he remembers. “I wasn’t present in the conversations.

“And that’s the most disappointing thing for me that I have regrets about. But I’m glad now that I’m in recovery, I’m a better person.

“And I have a great opportunity now with my grandson, who’s a year old, that I can show him the new improved Dean.”

Things came to a head when Sturridge’s wife came home early one day and found him watching horse racing and placing bets. Within 24 hours, he was at a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.

“Walking through those doors, it was the catalyst for me understanding myself.

“As a gambler, I think you shut off [your emotions]; you compartmentalise, and I did that as a sportsman as well.

Now a football agent, Sturridge believes young players are more equipped to deal with the trappings of fame – but stresses that they still need support.