Player reveals gambling addiction

Wrack said gambling had affected his "nearest and dearest"

A long-serving footballer in the West Midlands has admitted having a 16-year gambling addiction which led to him recently considering suicide.

Darren Wrack, 32, who was released by Walsall in May after 10 seasons at the club, said he had gambled away at least £500,000 over the years.

The player is being treated by the Sporting Chance Clinic in Hampshire.

Wrack said he was at "the bottom of the barrel" when he contemplated taking his life several weeks ago.

'Lot of courage'

He said: "I had nowhere to turn. I'd hurt everyone around me. I'd gambled more money than what I could afford as usual."

Asked to give an indication of the amount, Wrack added: "Over the years it's half a million roughly, maybe more than that. It was my weekly wage on a weekly basis."

The player admitted it was ruining people's lives, especially "the nearest and dearest", and he told lies, covering his tracks.

He said: "I went and did my job on a daily basis and then I'd be straight down the bookies, but always thinking about the bookies and always thinking about that first bet I was going to make on the day."

Wrack made the revelation so others could be made aware there was help available.

He added: "It takes a lot of courage to make that first step, but that's the hardest thing to do.

"Once you've made that, it will become easier.

"You don't have to suffer like I have and make others suffer around you as well."