Etherington admits blip in Stoke contract talks

Matthew Etherington admits contract talks with Stoke City have stalled.

He wouldn’t elaborate, but is possibly peeved that news of a pay rise is being linked to his on-going gambling debts, reportedly put as high as £800,000.

“I’m happy with my form and happy at the football club,” he stressed to The Sentinel.

“The manager has been brilliant with me and I’m very happy in my personal life. There’s been stuff written in the press about gambling, but that’s behind me now.

“It was a part of my life that took my focus off football, but I’ve put that behind me now. I will keep on top of it and make sure I won’t bet again. Since I stopped all that, my form has been really good and I’m keeping focussed on that.

“I’ll be the first to admit I made mistakes. It was a silly part of my life and got out of control, but that’s in the past.

“My form now has got to be up there with the best of my career. In my first season at West Ham, albeit in the Championship, I played quite well and was Hammer-of-the-year.”