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    ‘My whole life, the last few years of drinking, was planned around drinking’ – Soccer AM legend in heartbreaking reveal

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    A SOCCER AM legend has revealed the harrowing extent of his alcoholism.Tubes was a fan favourite on the Saturday morning TV show until its cancellation last year. Tubes opened up on his drinking problemsThe star drank heavily during his time working for Soccer AMCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe started out as an assistant producer before becoming an on-air star with his hilarious interviews, jokes and antics. However, he was struggling with his addiction to alcohol during his time with Soccer AM.Thankfully Tubes – real name Peter Dale – has overcome his struggles but looking back detailed how much alcohol dictated his life.He told the Soccer A-Z podcast: “My whole life, the last few years of drinking, was planned around drinking.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”So I’d look at what interviews I had, at the Chelsea fixture list, and it would all be like, I can drink then, I can drink then.”So I would always, if I was going out to the pub, I’d go to the off license beforehand and buy loads of little vodkas for so I could carry on when last orders was called, but also for the next morning. “I’d get up in the morning and just down the vodka to get back on a level. “It was a really strong addiction, and I’m so glad I decided to stop.Most read in Football”I found it so, so hard because it was my life. That was all I cared about at times.”Tubes added that he spent his time “constantly lying” to friends, colleagues including Helen Chamberlain and his mum – who he was looking after following the death of his dad. Relive the best bits of Soccer AM as the show gets axed after nearly 30 years on the airHe even hid bottles of vodka in his socks to sneak them into the house.But Tubes found his way out of his reliance on alcohol when he realised he reached a crisis point and attended an Alcoholics Anonymous session.The popular broadcaster replaced alcohol with golf and regularly plays in celebrity tournaments and also hosts the Golf Life show with his brother Ange. Tubes, who suffered a heart attack in 2018, added: “I made the decision that enough was enough eight years ago so I’m eight years sober.How to cut back on drinkingIF YOU’RE concerned about your drinking, a good first step is to see a GP.They’ll be able to give advice and support on how to manage your drinking habits and cut back safely.This might involve counselling, medicines or detox services.Being dependent on alcohol means you feel you’re not able to function without it and means stopping drinking can causes physical withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating or nausea.If you have these symptoms when you don’t drink, it could be dangerous to stop drinking too quickly without proper support.There are many charities and support groups you can join or speak to, as well as helplines:Tips to quitWhen you’re ready to stop, the following tips and techniques can make it that little bit easier.Tell family and friends that you’re aiming to stop drinking alcohol and explain why – reminding yourself and the people close to you why you want to stop drinking can help keep you on track, and may even encourage someone else to give up or cut down with you.Identify triggers avoid avoid situations where you may be tempted to drink, at least in the early stages – from after work pub quizzes to boozy dinners.Keep busy in the times you’d usually drink by trying something new – get active or meet a friend at the cinema.Reward yourself as you make progress and don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up every once in a while – it can be helpful to give yourself short-term goals.Notice how your body feels without booze – you might find that you have more energy, are sleeping better or have lost weight.Source: Drinkaware”It’s the best decision I’ve ever made in my whole entire life and I truly believe if I didn’t make that decision I’d be dead.”I stopped, completely stopped. I went to one AA meeting, which I always say, helps millions across the world. “It was the constant upset and pain I was causing on my family, especially my mum.”Asked what advice he would give to people trying to give up drinking, he added: “You feel so much better when you admit you are an alcoholic. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Talk to people, let people know how you’re feeling and that you’ve got a problem. “You’ll be amazed by the support. If you’re struggling on your own, it’s going to be a hell of a lot harder.”Soccer AM was cancelled in 2023Credit: AlamyTubes entertained viewers with his hilarious anticsCredit: Soccer AMHe has turned to golf since going soberCredit: Soccer AMNHS guidelines on drinking alcoholAccording to the NHS, regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week risks damaging your health.To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks:men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a weekif you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each weekIf you’re pregnant or think you could become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum. You read more on the NHS website. More

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      Former Inter Milan star Guarin reveals he drank 70 beers in one night and slept with ‘any girl’ at his lowest point

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      FORMER Inter Milan star Fredy Guarin has revealed how he spiralled out of control and would drink 70 beers in one night at one point in his career.The Colombian retired in 2021 after a 15-year career that took in stints at Inter as well as Porto and SH Shenua.Fredy Guarin admitted he struggled with alcoholism throughout his careerCredit: AP:Associated PressHe made 141 appearances for Inter, scoring 22, and won 58 caps for his country.But his alcoholism prevented him from reaching his potential and even cost him his place in the Inter team, leading to his exit in 2016.Guarin told Caracol Televisión: “I started to make a name for myself in Italy and I was already having problems off the pitch. “At first I managed it well: I would get drunk two days before the match, then go out on the pitch, score one or two goals and the team would win. I think I lacked awareness.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I drank at home, in the club, in the restaurant, I already had my family and that was s*** because I knew I was making mistakes, both at work and with family responsibilities. “I failed in all objectives, footballing and personal. I was totally lost in alcohol, and they told me through my agent that I could no longer stay in Milan.”His drinking habits got worse when the Covid pandemic hit during his time at Vasco da Gama, which resulted in Guarin drinking up to 70 beers a night.The 38-year-old even attempted suicide after reaching the point where he sought danger and did not care about hurting himself.Most read in FootballHe continued: “For the first six months I felt like the happiest person in the world, then Covid came, the separation from my wife, and I drank 50, 60 or 70 beers in one night. “The pandemic came, there was no training, no group, no football. I went to the favelas, [slept] with any girl without protection, I totally abandoned myself. I looked for danger, adrenaline, I wanted to see weapons and nothing worried me. I spent 10 days totally drunk.”Shocking moment blood-soaked ex-Inter Milan star Fredy Guarin is arrested by cops after ‘assaulting parents’ “I lived on the 17th floor and I had no attachment to life. My reaction was to throw myself out of the window. There was a net, I jumped and it sent me back, but I didn’t realize anything. “I didn’t understand what I was doing, I don’t know what happened. I got to the point where nothing interested me and I didn’t care about hurting myself.”WHERE TO GET HELP YOU NEEDIF you are ever worried that someone’s life is in immediate danger, call 999 or go directly to the emergency services.For anyone in crisis, struggling to cope or needing immediate help, use the Shout Crisis text line (text 85258) or The Samaritans (call 116 123) – which are both available 24/7, 365 days a year.CALM offer a confidential helpline (0800 585858) and livechat, both available from 5pm to midnight.Visit nhs.uk/mental-health/ to find NHS mental health support near you, and how to self-refer for talking therapies, such as CBT and counselling for mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, panic, OCD and more.Visit the Movember website for more advice on men’s health and recommended support groups, organisations and charities.Movember Conversations is an online tool that helps you practise difficult conversations with pretend scenarios. More

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      Mexico manager left with blood pouring down face after being hit with beer can thrown from crowd

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      MEXICO manager Javier Aguirre was left bloodied after a yob hit him with a beer can to the head.Aguirre, 65, saw his team suffer a miserable 2-0 loss at Honduras in the Nations League on Friday at the Francisco Morazan Stadium.Mexico manager Javier Aguirre had a beer can thrown to his headA yob threw the object on Aguirre after Mexico’s loss at HondurasAguirre, though, remained unfazed as he shook hands with Honduras boss Reinaldo RuedaAguirre had blood pouring down his face after the incidentAguirre appeared to refuse treatment after the attackThe Mexican went to shake hands with the opposition’s manager after full-time.That was when the crowd sitting behind the visitors’ dugout started pelting several objects towards him amid sickening scenes.And one of those yobs managed to hit Aguirre on the head as he was about to greet Honduras manager Reinaldo Rueda.The ex-Atletico Madrid manager was unfazed by the incident even after blood started pouring down his face.Read More on FootballMedics rushed to the Mexico boss’ side but he appeared unwilling to receive treatment as he continued walking down the tunnel.The former Espanyol boss continued to show a stiff upper lip when asked about the incident insisting there is “no need to mention it”.Aguirre said: “Nothing, it is just football. The game was hard fought, and they played better.”Regarding the other [the incident], there’s no need to mention it, I’m not one who complains, it is just football, nothing happened.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRueda condemned the incident immediately after the match and described it as “sad”.The Honduras boss went on to apologise to Aguirre as well as Mexico.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesRueda said: “I’m sad for what happened at the end of the match, because he is a human being.”I want to apologise to the Mexican people and to Aguirre, this cannot happen.” More

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      Shakhtar fan left gutted as mate knocks beer out of his hand during goal celebration

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      A SHAKHTAR DONETSK fan was left distraught after their beer was knocked out of their hands.During the Ukrainian club’s Champions League group stage clash with Young Boys on Wednesday, Shakhtar were able to celebrate two first-half goals.A Shakhtar Donetsk fan was left distraught after seeing his beer knocked from his handsIt came during celebrations for the Ukrainian club’s match-winning goalA friend was seen taking a flag from around their neckBut he knocked the cup out of his mate’s hand while doing soThe fan was left with their head in their hands over the spilled drinkKastroit Imeri had fired Young Boys in front before Oleksandr Zubkov equalised moments later.Heorhiy Sudakov then put the hosts ahead minutes before half-time.Fans went wild in the stands, though one saw their emotions go from ecstasy to agony.The fan, who had an orange flag wrapped around their neck, was seen holding a blue cup, presumably full of beer – fans in Europe are permitted to drink alcohol in view of the pitch, unlike the UK.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, as another fan next to him started waving their own orange flag when moving it over their neck, disaster struck.As the fellow fan took the flag with his left arm he then moved it down, which ended up hitting the drink out of the right hand of his fellow matchgoer.The fan who had the beer could do nothing but look down at his tragically lost drink, before putting his hands on his head in disbelief.They were then seen appearing to say something to the culprit who knocked their beer over, before stopping themselves while the other fan continued to celebrate.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe game ended up remaining 2-1 to the hosts, marking their first win in the Champions League this season.The match was played at the VELTINS-Arena, the usual home ground of German club Schalke, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.Inside Viktor Gyokeres’ glamorous life, from dating fellow footballer and actress to luxury holidays around world More

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      I had two choices – either pick up the phone and ask for help or die, admits ex-Man City midfielder Jeff Whitley

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      JEFF WHITLEY has bravely opened up about his battle with addiction and recovery from the depths of despair.The 45-year-old starred for Manchester City and Sunderland and earned 20 caps for Northern Ireland between 1997-2005.Jeff Whitley has shared details about his recoveryCredit: Dave Pinegar – The SunWhitley’s cocaine use began during his addiction to alcoholBut behind the scenes, battles with alcohol and drugs led to problems off the pitch, including bankruptcy and a spell in rehab.Now in a position to help others, Whitley, who is the PFA’S player welfare executive, wants to raise awareness of the dangers behind addiction.He told the BBC: “Nearly every club had moved me on because of the off the pitch antics. Not being able to keep it together or say no to some of the times I went out.”I didn’t know how to keep it under control or even understand what the problem was.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Eventually the drink and the drugs really started to escalate.”I had two choices. I either keep doing what I’m doing and maybe die, or I pick up the phone and ask for help.”After getting to the point of where he was “sick of feeling this way”, Whitley knew he had to make a change.He phoned the Professional Footballers’ Association for help and, in a time frame that left him “amazed”, he was assessed by Sporting Chance before going through treatment and rehab for 26 days.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe exclusively revealed to The Sun in 2019: “I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and thought, ‘I don’t know who that guy is.’ I’d completely lost myself.”When you’re young and you’ve got a few quid in your pocket, it can be quite exciting and highly addictive.”But you go from being super confident and chatty to wanting to be on your own in complete isolation.”Whitley has been sober since entering rehab, but still continues to attend AA meetings and therapy.Former Man City midfielder Whitley now devotes his time to helping othersAnd after years of drug taking drove one of his brothers, Jack, to suicide in 2017, Whitley knows just how brutal substance abuse can be.In 2019, he backed The Sun’s End of The Line campaign to help raise awareness of the devastating dangers of cocaine and its impact on mental health.He explained: “You’re almost chasing that high from when you first took it, thinking that next line is going to be like the first one you took.”The insane paranoia is mind-blowing. Call it curtan-twitching- any siren, any noise, you think they’re after you. It’s a proper frightening place to be. “Whitley was shipped out on loan to Wrexham and Notts County during the final three years of his City contract, before joining Sunderland in 2003.He explained that the Black Cats, and later Cardiff, then “moved him on” for his off-field antics.His growing addictions ultimately led to his international career coming to a premature end after scoring two goals.Northern Ireland’s 1-0 win over England at Windsor Park in 2005 is one of the most famous nights in the country’s history.However, Whitley had to watch it from home after being sent away from the camp by manager Lawrie Sanchez for going out with team-mate Philip Mulryne.I was sick of being on this hamster wheel of living that way. You’re not living, you’re just existing.Whitley was still playing at a high level for Cardiff, but the damage was done. He would never play for Northern Ireland again.After being left jobless at the end his football career, he briefly worked in car sales before turning his attentions to using his experiences to help others.Jeff Whitley’s PFA WorkJEFF WHITLEY is part of the PFA’s Wellbeing department which provides support to more than 50,000 members.They offer a 24/7 helpline, a national network of counsellors, and a residential rehab at Sporting Chance Clinic.Fellowships, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA), are available as well with 12-step sponsored programme.The programme provides a solution and 12 steps of how to live life and implement those principles into daily life.The PFA Wellbeing team provide individual action plans for members on issues ranging from anxiety, depression, alcohol, drug use and gambling.They also go into all 92 clubs to assess players and educate Under-18s, U23s, first-team, women’s teams and staff on the dangers of alcohol and drug use.Any current and former PFA members can contact the Wellbeing team with emotional issues on its email address: wellbeing@thepfa.co.ukWhitley added that he understands that some players may not want to pick up the phone or ask for help.”I know how difficult it was for me to reach out. I was sick of being on this hamster wheel of living that way. You’re not living, you’re just existing.READ MORE SUN STORIES”When you are abusing your body with alcohol and drugs, and stuff like that, then you are going to go one of two ways.”Some of the people are not at that point. Just don’t hesitate to reach out, that’s what I would say.”Help for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More

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      Football fans admit soaking themselves in beer and smashing phones… take the test to find out if you’re a diehard

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      FOOTIE fans have admitted to soaking themselves in alcohol and smashing up their devices during games – but what type of supporter are you?From how many matches you watch – live or on the TV – to how often you take part in fantasy football leagues, discover which category you fall into in this quiz.Take the test to see what type of footie fan you areReal Madrid fans create a wall of white shirts and flagsAnswer these questions and discover if you really are a diehard fan, or merely a spectator.It comes as research found a third of football fans are so passionate about the sport they have soaked themselves in beer, ripped clothing – and even smashed their phones.Some 36 per cent admit they have encountered a football fail when celebrating a goal being scored.The study was commissioned by tech brand, HONOR, which wrapped an entire bar in the centre of Barcelona in bubble wrap for fans watching Barca take on Bayern Munich – to ensure no mishaps happen.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA spokesperson for the brand said: “Football fans are arguably the heart and soul of the game.”Their passion, dedication and unwavering support can create an atmosphere unlike any other, both in the stadium and beyond.“Whether cheering from the stands or watching from home, fans fuel the excitement, making every match a spectacle of unity, pride and love for the sport.“However, our research shows that this passion can sometimes lead to all sorts of funny mishaps – often involving personal belongings.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe poll of more than 1,000 supporters of the beautiful game also found pouring an entire drink over themselves (12 per cent), ripping a favourite item of clothing (eight per cent), and smashing their phone screen (seven per cent) were among the top mishaps.More than four in 10 (41 per cent) admit to often getting carried away with the excitement during a football match.Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’But 64 per cent say these fails were totally worth it, just to see a goal being scored.The study also found 14 per cent of fans are less concerned about their belongings when celebrating during a match.Although 12 per cent say they are more susceptible to damaging their personal things when watching their football team.Items which have been victims of these celebrations include drinks (19 per cent), food (13 per cent), and keys (10 per cent).Flares are often lit at Borussia Dortmund and St. Pauli matches in the BundesligaAnd one in ten have thrown their phone in the air, according to the OnePoll.com data.The spokesperson for Honor added: “Despite these football fails, it seems fans think it’s all worth it in the end to see their favourite team score a goal.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Nothing can beat the roar of the crowd and the thrill of seeing the ball hit the back of the net.“It’s a surge of adrenaline and pride that stays with you long after the match ends and is what makes football the beautiful game that it is.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Outrageous cost of pint at Premier League stadiums in 2030 predicted with fans to be hit in the pockets

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      FOOTBALL fans will have to start preparing for even higher beer prices at stadiums.It has been predicted that some Premier League grounds will charge more than £13 per pint by 2030.Arsenal fans could be charged up to £13.12 per pint by 2030Credit: GettyFans at the London Stadium will be expected to pay the same for their beerCredit: ReutersBrentford fans will have the cheapest pints in the capitalCredit: GettyOld Trafford is one of the cheaper stadiums to buy a drinkCredit: PAWest Ham and Arsenal currently have the most expensive pints in the top division.On average the rivals charge £7.57 on each pint, which is an increase of £1.27 since 2022.A recent assessment of the current prices across all the grounds and the average inflation rate could shock some match-going supporters.Football shirt retailer UKSoccerShop has claimed that in six years, many clubs will be sharing at least £10 per pint.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe study claims that fans at the Emirates and the London Stadium will have to fork out £13.12 per pint.The Hammers also have the most expensive pie prices in the Premier League.Other London grounds will also be pricey, with only Brentford’s Gtech Community stadium charging less than a tenner.In 2030, a pint at the Bees’ venue is predicted to cost £8.33 which is up from the current average price of £4.80.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUp and down the country, prices will vary, but London will remain the most expensive.In Manchester, prices will almost hit £10 per pint with the Etihad expected to reach £9.58, it’s predicted.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtHowever, at Old Trafford, the price will only be £6.25, which will make it one of the cheapest in the Premier League.Teams that would be charging over £10 include the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Fulham, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.The study was based on the inflation rate of alcoholic drinks in data collected by the Office for National Statistics.A spokesperson from UKSoccerShop said: “Drinkflation is on the rise.”With UK households feeling the cost of living squeeze, hospitality services trying to work around spiralling costs, with some choosing to serve weaker beer.”It’s likely to affect our stadiums, too. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Using inflation figures from the ONS, we can estimate what prices football fans could pay for a match day pint.”We found that over £6 could become the norm up north and over £10 in London – some may even get closer to £15 by the end of 2030.” More

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      Former Brighton Premier League wonderkid Aaron Connolly bravely reveals all about alcohol addiction and treatment

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE wonderkid Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed his alcohol addiction fight.The Irish international forward, 24, completed a free transfer to Championship promotion chasers Sunderland last month as he looks to resurrect his career.Sunderland’s new signing Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed all about his alcohol addictionCredit: AlamyConnolly famously burst on the scene in the top-flight aged 19 at Brighton with a brace against Tottenham.He left the Amex – following disappointing loan spells at Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian side Venezia – four years later having featured more on the gossip pages than sport ones.Connolly did score eight times for Hull City last term but that was not enough to stop him from getting released.Now he has decided to tell his story to coincide with World Mental Health Day on Sunderland’s website.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLConnolly had left home for the South Coast aged 16 but he says everything changed after that day against Spurs.He said: “I remember it – 5th of October, 2019, it was a 12.30 kick-off. I’m never going to forget that day. It was one of the best days of my life, but also one of the worst because the following five years was from that.“I just stopped working, stopped doing the things I should have kept doing. I started to believe the hype, and I just didn’t turn into a good person after that. I was tough to be around.“I didn’t know how to deal with it, if I’m being honest. My parents tried, but they weren’t living with me. I was living with my ex-girlfriend at the time, and it’s hard because I didn’t ever feel like I had that authoritative figure to keep me grounded.Most read in ChampionshipIf you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.“My parents did try, but I just let myself believe everything people were saying online and it just took over. I always say to my parents, I started to live the life of a footballer without the football side of it.“That was the hardest thing to admit at the time, that I wasn’t doing all the things that had got me to the position where I could go and get my house and treat my family, and do all that sort of stuff.Brits are more likely to open up at the pub or on a walk than on the phone or over text, study finds“It hurts to look back and speak about it because I know if I had done everything right, maybe I would still be in the Premier League. Maybe I wouldn’t, but at least I’d know I’d given it all I could to try to stay at that level.”Connolly explained how both his on and off-field life began to spiral as alcohol became a bigger and bigger problem.He said: “It was obvious I had a problem with alcohol for a good few years.“I had my parents, who never drank before and were always telling me when I was younger to stay away from alcohol. That was always their thing because of addiction to alcohol in my family.“I didn’t listen, clearly. It got me into a lot of trouble and a lot of problems, and it just became something that I relied on.”It felt like my buzz used to come from football, and winning games and scoring goals, and it got to a point where the buzz was more from drinking alcohol than going out on a football pitch.“I used to look forward to the games finishing so I could have time to go and have a drink and socialise.”I say socialise, but it was just an excuse to go and get drunk, to go straight to alcohol, and that was where I got my buzz from, whereas before, it was always the buzz of football and being around an environment like I am now.”For three or four years, that just wasn’t there.”The star burst on the scene with two goals against Tottenham in 2019Credit: ReutersConnolly managed to rediscover some form at Hull despite his “life being a mess” but he finally realised he needed to take drastic action after he was released in June by the Tigers.He explained: “I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t live the way I was living. It was killing people round me, to be honest. My family, my friends. Mainly, it was killing me, really.“I had one of my best seasons last year at Hull, but off the pitch, my life was a mess. The manager at Hull, to be fair, always looked after me, and always tried to help.”But it just got to a point where, it wasn’t like life wasn’t worth living, it wasn’t a big dramatic thing, but it was just that my life was so unmanageable and I couldn’t control what I could do and couldn’t control my alcohol.“It just got to a point where I had to make a decision where I needed to go to a treatment clinic, and I spent a month there in the summer.”I just said to my agent, ‘I don’t want you to contact any clubs. I’m not doing this for football, I’m doing this so I can get my life back, and if stuff in football comes with that, then that’s a bonus’.“It wasn’t even the football that was taking the biggest battering in the end, it was my life, my relationships, my friends. Everything was just failing and falling apart.”When your parents are calling you and you’re not answering calls because you know you’re breaking their hearts, it’s time to realise that you’ve got a problem.”Now after sealing himself an opportunity at Sunderland, Connolly wants to tell his story in the hope that it might help at least one other person struggling.He added: “It’s an addiction, and the toughest thing I ever had to do was go in there. The PFA helped me pay for my treatment, and I know some people might not be able to afford it, but it’s important to know it’s not just park bench, vodka bottle. Anybody can get affected by it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s no price tag or no amount of money in the world that can cure it. It’s a disease, an illness. But going to the clinic was the best and worst month of my life.“I just hope this might help people. I had everything every young boy would dream, but I couldn’t get hold of my addiction without that help.”The Irish ace was released by Hull City in the summer and decided to check into rehabCredit: PA More

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      Premier League fans can buy pints of beer for £4 or under at six stadiums in the UK as prices revealed

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      SIX Premier League clubs are offering a pint of beer for £4 or less at their stadiums… while others do not sell any for under £6.As the cost of attending matches continues to increase, fans are also combating the rise in prices of merchandise, food and drink.No club sells moreCredit: GettyLiverpool and West Ham fans recently protested the change in concession pricing.And Hammers supporters are one of two sets of fans who are also unable to buy pints of beer for under £6 at their home ground.The London Stadium’s cheapest beer is £6.30 – and it is the same at Arsenal.West Ham are also the only top-flight English club to charge £5 for a pie.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLData collected by Flashscore shows there are a number of Premier League sides putting them to shame with their lower prices.Surprisingly, Manchester United offer the cheapest beer in the Premier League at just £3.That is 50p less than the next best at newly-promoted Ipswich who provide pints for as little as £3.50.And there are four other clubs who have kept their beer prices at the £4 mark.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey are Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford and Wolves.Champions Manchester City sit 11th on the list as they offer a pint for £4.60.Man Utd reveal first pics of redeveloped 100,000-capacity Old Trafford in ‘biggest regeneration scheme ever seen’Liverpool are also down in 14th at £4.40.But fans will be shocked to learn Leicester are as high as third at £5.80 despite spending last season in the Championship.Price of a pint of beer at Premier League clubsWest Ham – £6.30Arsenal – £6.30Leicester – £5.80Chelsea – £5.70Fulham – £5.50Aston Villa – £5.20Nottingham Forest – £5.20Tottenham – £5.10Crystal Palace – £5Newcastle – £4.90Manchester City – £4.60Southampton – £4.55Everton – £4.55Liverpool – £4.40Brighton – £4Bournemouth – £4Brentford – £4Wolves – £4Ipswich – £3.50Manchester United – £3 More