West Ham winger Matthew Etherington is reportedly receiving ongoing help for a gambling addiction at the Sporting Chance clinic.Etherington said that he had the full support of the club, including manager Alan Curbishley, chairman Eggert Magnusson and the rest of his team-mates.
He said: "I have made a personal decision to take steps to tackle a gambling problem which has developed over recent times.
"As anyone who has suffered an addiction illness will know, this is not a problem that will disappear overnight and the Sporting Chance clinic is playing a key role in my recovery programme."
Etherington has made 17 starts on the Hammers' left winger this season but has failed to have the same impact he achieved last season. This may have led to Curbishley's recruiting of Luis Boa Morte from Fulham.
The Sporting Chance clinic has helped a number of high-profile footballers over the years, including players such as Paul Merson and co-founder Tony Adams.
Peter Kay, chief executive of Sporting Chance, said: "Matthew has been incredibly brave by confronting his problems. It is difficult for players to come forward in the modern climate."
Etherington is not the only Hammers player currently undergoing rehabilitation. Goalkeeper Roy Carroll is believed to have had help from Capio Nightingale clinic a number of months ago to help him with drink and gambling problems.
The Hammers have included both players in their match-day squad to take on Charlton later today.
(From: inthenews.co.uk)
1 comment:
Good for people to know.
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