Kevin Horlock
Kevin Horlock, a former Manchester City star, has candidly discussed his battle with addiction and financial woes following his retirement from professional football. After a successful career with 206 appearances for Manchester City from 1997 to 2003, Kevin faced significant personal challenges, including alcohol and drug addiction. His story took a positive turn when fellow ex-City player Jeff Whitley reached out to help him seek rehabilitation.
Kevin Horlock said: “It was a dark, dark place I went to, but by being honest, if it can help one person, then I’m happy with that.”
Kevin Horlock said: “If I’m honest, I probably struggled when football stopped, without really knowing, and more recently my marriage broke down, my mum passed away, it’s been difficult, I probably didn’t deal with it the right way. I ended up going to rehab which saved my life in all honesty.”
Kevin Horlock said: “I knew I was struggling, financially I was in a real hole, I was in a rented house I had to be out of, I was there with my lad, he was 16 at the time. I have so much remorse and guilt that I’d let people down.”
Kevin Horlock said: “That phone call, it saved me. Jeff arranged for me to go into Sporting Chance and it was unbelievable for me. I was ready to open up and try to get better, I feel good now.”
Kevin’s journey from darkness to recovery has been transformative. After receiving a crucial call from Jeff Whitley, he entered Sporting Chance, a mental health and addiction support service for sportspeople. This intervention marked the beginning of his recovery, and he has since been sober for over 18 months.
Now managing the Isthmian League club Maldon & Tiptree, Kevin is committed to using his experience to help others. He participates in initiatives like “sporting memories,” aimed at supporting individuals with early-onset dementia and loneliness. Kevin’s openness about his struggles and recovery serves as an inspiration to many, encouraging those facing similar challenges to seek help and find strength in their journey.
Kevin’s story is a testament to the power of support and the possibility of recovery, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health and addiction issues within the sports community.
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