Etherington beating gambling problem

Stoke winger Matthew Etherington is confident he is winning his battle with a gambling problem.

Former West Ham man Etherington, who joined Stoke 13 months ago, has been one of his club's most impressive performers this season.

The 28-year-old is playing without the stress of gambling and revealed he is taking steps to manage his addiction, telling the Daily Mail: "I've never really spoken about it, but I go twice a week to Gambling Anonymous in Birmingham. I'll do that for the rest of my life."

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He added: "You are just meeting like-minded people and you talk about things that help keep you off gambling. It has been a big help.

"I had to do something about it -- and I've done that. Now I'd like to get on with my life. I would be the first to admit I had problems with gambling and I never hide that fact.

"My problems had been well documented and I would like to think they are long behind me now. I've got over that and come out the other side."

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