Former Wolves striker turned agent reveals scale of 40 year gambling addiction as he seeks to help others
Former Wolves striker Dean Sturridge has opened up on a 40 year secret gambling addiction - as he seeks to help others in a similar situation.
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The 51-year-old made his name at Derby County, and still remains their record Premier League goal scorer.
After a short spell at Leicester City, he signed for Wolves for £350,000 and scored 28 goals in 75 games during a four year spell at the club.
Later in his career he went on to sign for Kidderminster Harriers, where he ended his playing days.
Sturridge now works as a football agent and has this week revealed that he had been battling a serious addition to gambling for the best part of four decades.
In a number of interviews, Sturridge has outlined how he began gambling at a young age and described how he once spent his first big signing on fee at Derby County in less than a day.
Now after five and a half years in recovery, Sturridge has become the newest ambassador to the gambling support charity Gordon Moody, and wants to help others on what he describes as the 'desert island' of addiction.
"I know the feeling of being in addiction, being lonely, being isolated, feeling guilt, feeling shame, feeling embarrassment," said Sturridge.
"Everybody's story is unique, but I'm hoping I can inspire just one person."
Sturridge also described how his journey to recovery started when his wife came home early on day to find him watching horse racing and playing betters.
Within 24 hours, he attended a Gamblers Anonymous meeting and has been on the road to recovery every since.
Now in his role as a football agent, he believes education and teaching young players about the perils of gambling are important.
He added: "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.
"I was always pushing my emotions to the side and trying to mask them."
"It's important... for people like myself, for people in organisations like Gordon Moody, to go into schools and into football clubs and just help them on their journey."
