Source: Daily_Mail
Etherington given pay rise by Stoke to combat £800,000 gambling debts
Matthew Etherington insists he is winning his fight to overcome a gambling addiction and has been given a pay rise by Stoke to help him pay off debts that spiralled to £800,000.Etherington responded to claims he is being pursued by bookmakers and still owes a six-figure sum on Tuesday. His club have extended his contract to more than £30,000-a-week with some of his salary earmarked to pay off his debts.Previously, former club West Ham had advanced a loan of £300,000 to help the player. And yesterday he said: '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. You are just meeting like-minded people and you talk about things that help keep you off gambling. It has been a big help. Addiction: Etherington owes £800,000 of gambling debts'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.'Etherington was first treated for his gambling addiction in 2007 when Sportsmail revealed he had entered the Sporting Chance clinic to confront his demons. He denied claims of death threats and police involvement.West Ham had to gain permission from the Premier League to advance his wages as they helped him to try to deal with the matter, while his form fluctuated. He was sold to Stoke in 2008.Etherington has been one of Stoke's shining stars this season and he insists the problems are historical. He denies gambling, although it has become a major problem among modern players.Etherington says he has finally turned his life around since quitting London and signing for Stoke and his boss, Tony Pulis, has recently been calling for his inclusion in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.Etherington said: 'It's obviously nice to hear people talk like that and my form has been good over the past three months. But there are many good players in my position and I won't be one of those coming out shouting that I should be in the squad.' Shining star: Etherington's form has sparked talk of an international call-upMeanwhile, Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen reckons he should remain first choice at the club despite the £3.5m arrival of Asmir Begovic from Portsmouth.Begovic was brought in on Monday just hours before Sorensen kept a clean sheet at his former club Sunderland in the 0-0 draw.Battling: SorensenBut the Denmark keeper admits he will be shocked if he is not in the line-up for the home clash with Blackburn on Saturday.He said: 'It is the manager's choice. I can only focus on what I am doing. Keeping a clean sheet is important, but competition is also good for everyone.'I think I have done well in the Sunderland game. I can't look back and think I should have done better, so hopefully I will be in goal on Saturday.'The manager has felt that's where we have to strengthen things and he has done that.'Sorensen is also determined to cling on to his No 1 status at Stoke to ensure he is first choice for Denmark in the World Cup. Matthew Etherington: 'Addiction will always be a part of my life'EXCLUSIVE: I must have complete control of players says Iron man PulisSunderland 0 Stoke City 0: Home crowd turn on Steve Bruce's side after dismal performance at the Stadium of Light STOKE CITY FC