1.) 05 Nov 2021
05 Nov 2021 09:07:47
Really interesting read Ed, sad story though.
I imagine there are 1000s of cases like this unfortunately! And probably not helped by the fact that even U18 players get plastered over the club website and all over social media, I imagine it's easy for young lads to get overwhelmed. Giving kids 10s of thousands a week isn't the best idea either!

{Ed001's Note - to be honest, there has been a problem within Everton as well, which has seen a lot of promising youngsters end up acting up. I think that is more of the problem than the money there.}

2.) 05 Nov 2021
05 Nov 2021 11:07:48
Sad story, he was lucky he was given so many chances but despite all that, was never given the help he actually needed. Must be difficult to have everything going so well and then it stop suddenly when your contract is just cancelled. I imagine their are a lot of similar stories as football can be very cut-throat.

3.) 05 Nov 2021
05 Nov 2021 11:14:46
To be honest I think there is a huge societal problem with cocaine in the UK. I would say 60% of the people I know are regular users. I remember going for a night out in Liverpool a few years ago and I went to the toilet and every bloke in the cubicles was taking cocaine.

4.) 05 Nov 2021
05 Nov 2021 22:06:09
Poor kid, never underestimate the impact of trauma and poor attachments in the developing mind. My job brings me into contact with lads like this all the time it can be heartbreaking to see them self destruct. Hope he finds stability.

5.) 06 Nov 2021
06 Nov 2021 11:13:54
The sentences for drug dealers need to be longer. I don't know if clubs hire anti drink or drugs specialists but this is no doubt one of many similar stories. Agents also need to play their part. Also interesting to read that he got offered an incentive to join Everton. I thought this was illegal to offer youngsters signing on fees.