Etherington glad to move on

Winger reflects on gambling problem

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 13th September 2007

Matthew Etherington

Etherington: Looking forward

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West Ham winger Matthew Etherington is pleased to have put his gambling addiction behind him.

Etherington checked into the Sporting Chance clinic for counselling last season in a bid to overcome the problem.

He is now fully rehabilitated and has produced a number of impressive performances for The Hammers already this term.

"It was a hard time for me but I suppose you get these periods when you've got to get through and come out the other side, but I'd like to think I've done that now," Etherington told Sky Sports News.

"I'm looking forward to my future to doing well for West Ham this season.

"It got to the point in February when I was playing bad for West Ham and not doing myself justice.

"I wasn't the person I was previously and I could see that it was time to get help.

"I don't want people to feel sorry for me, it was my own fault, but I've dealt with it and it's time to move on."