The figures for former footballer Tony Kelly are eye-catching: aged 16 and 244 days when he was Bristol City’s youngest player, 18 career clubs, 17-year pro career.
But the most striking number of all is one he’d prefer wasn’t there: gambling losses of £500,000.
This “secretive addiction”, as he describes it, also lost him his house, partner and his self-respect.
The ex-Bury and Leyton Orient winger’s career high was a goal for Stoke against Liverpool at Anfield but, off the field, he was chasing another type of high.
“I can remember taking my weekly salary – a lot of money back then – to the casino and losing the lot,” recalls Tony, now aged 57.
“I literally had no money for food or travelling expenses, but I kept it a secret. However, when I got paid the following week, I was right back at the roulette table and blew it all again.”
While at the casinos, he would get drunk and pursue one-night stands.
“I was asking family and friends to loan me money, telling them I had expenses and would pay them back. I eventually told my sister about my gambling and promised, as addicts do, that it was all in the past and I’d turned the corner. She helped me pay my mortgage, but gambling had such a hold on me I lost the house anyway.
“In reality, as soon as I had some cash, I went to the casino, believing I’d win.
“My first thought when I woke up each morning was where and when I would be placing my first bet, and how much I had in my wallet to put on the horses or the roulette table.
“The problem with gambling is that once you win, you think you’re bound to win again. I did have successes, but of course a winning streak never lasts and you soon lose it all again. Somehow, I managed to avoid the bailiffs.”
Until 2010, that is, when he was declared bankrupt, owing £192,000.
NEW DIRECTION
As his football career ended, Tony worked on the railways. One day, sitting in a signal box, in walked a pastor who was a railway chaplain.
“He said my box had popped up as a routine visit and asked if I was happy with him stopping for a chat,” smiled Tony.
“Looking back, I believe that was God’s timing, because if ever I needed to hear from God it was that day as I sat there, alone, feeling sorry for myself and hating how I’d ended up where I was.
“In the end, the pastor stayed for two hours, listening to me, talking with me, reading Scripture and praying for me. He told me about the sinner’s prayer, which he wrote out for me.
“He also left his Bible which was brand new, never been used. I began to read Scripture and I recited the sinner’s prayer.”
Tony started attending a local church and took a three-month counselling course. Between that, being baptised and reading the Bible, he was able to start defeating the demons which had ruled his life.
“God has put me on a new journey with a real purpose in life. He has given me the tools to help others.
“I work at different football clubs talking to players, parents, agents and managers.
“I also love telling people of the day a pastor opened the door of my signal box, with nothing more than a Bible and a prayer that saved my life. That is better than any trophy a footballer can win!”
■ Tony set up the charity Red Card, which promotes gambling education and support. For more information, go to: redcardgambling.org
Tony can be contacted at tony@redcardgambling.org or 07444 512184.
