When a career-threatening injury kept him off the football pitch, Dean Sturridge found himself battling a different kind of opponent—gambling addiction.
“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 Sturridge, a former professional footballer.
A Football Career Overshadowed by Addiction
Born in Birmingham, Sturridge made a name for himself as a prolific striker, playing in the Premier League for Derby County, Leicester City, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. He also had spells at Sheffield United and Kidderminster Harriers. While his performances on the pitch earned him recognition, behind the scenes, he was struggling with a serious gambling addiction.
After five and a half years in recovery, Sturridge is now using his experiences to help others who find themselves stuck on what he calls the “desert island” of addiction. He has recently become an ambassador for the gambling support charity Gordon Moody, an organization that first introduced the Gamblers Anonymous concept to the UK in 1971.
A Lifelong Battle with Gambling
Sturridge’s gambling problem began early in life but intensified with the fame and fortune that came with professional football. As Derby County’s record goalscorer in the Premier League, he was financially well-off, but that didn’t stop his addiction from spiraling.
“My first signing-on fee was a big figure,” he recalled. “It was supposed to go towards buying my first car, a Ford Fiesta Firefly. But I couldn’t pay for it because I’d lost my signing-on fee within hours of it going into my account.”
This incident marked the beginning of a cycle of financial mismanagement and addiction, leading him to borrow money from a teammate to purchase the car.
“I’d be going from the bookie to the bank… writing cheques out and withdrawing money. By the end of the day, you see zero in your account, when at the start of the day, it had thousands in it.”
The Impact on Family Life
Although his high salary allowed him to fund his addiction, the real cost was felt in his personal life.
“When I’d be with my children and my wife, I’d be on my phone placing bets. I wasn’t present in the conversations. And that’s the most disappointing thing for me—the regrets. But now that I’m in recovery, I’m a better person.”
Today, Sturridge is grateful for a second chance with his family, especially his grandson. “I have a great opportunity now with my grandson, who’s a year old, to show him the new, improved Dean.”
The Turning Point: Seeking Help
The breaking point came when his wife unexpectedly returned home one day and found him watching horse racing and placing bets. Within 24 hours, Sturridge attended his first Gamblers Anonymous meeting.
“Walking through those doors was the catalyst for understanding myself. As a gambler, you shut off your emotions; you compartmentalize. I did that as a sportsman too, always pushing my emotions to the side and trying to mask them.”
Raising Awareness for Future Generations
Now a football agent, Sturridge believes that today’s young players are better equipped to deal with the pressures of fame, but they still need guidance and support.
“It’s important for people like me and organizations like Gordon Moody to go into schools and football clubs to help young players on their journey.”
Frequently Asked Questions –
Who is Dean Sturridge?
Dean Sturridge is a former professional footballer known for his time at Derby County, Leicester City, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. He is now a football agent and gambling recovery advocate.
What led to Dean Sturridge’s gambling addiction?
His gambling problem started at a young age but escalated when he became a professional footballer with time, money, and access to betting.
How did he overcome his addiction?
His turning point came when his wife caught him gambling at home. He sought help through Gamblers Anonymous and has been in recovery for over five years.
What is his role with Gordon Moody?
Sturridge is now an ambassador for Gordon Moody, a gambling support charity, where he helps raise awareness and provides support to those struggling with addiction.
What message does he want to share?
Sturridge hopes to inspire others by sharing his experiences, helping young athletes, and encouraging those battling addiction to seek help.
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