Former Bull Andy Ferrell is rebuilding his life after his release from prison.
Now 31, Ferrell was released from jail eight months ago after two years inside for a drug dealing conviction. He told the Chronicle about the gambling addiction that saw him make 'a mistake':
“I’m not a criminal, I’m just a normal lad. I got caught up in that and now it’s something I have got to live with. I did throw everything away, but I’m not going to sit here and feel sorry for myself. I have made a mistake, there’s no one else to blame, but I want to get my life back on track. Until the day I die Newcastle United and football will be my life. And I’m back in football now, and that’s when I’m happiest."
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| Pic - Bedlington Terriers |
Ferrell is now manager of Bedlington Terriers, having been appointed less than a week ago, after the previous manager won just one of 14 games in charge. Ferrell told the club's website: “I will be ringing my old manager Martin Foyle for a bit of advice. Advice is something you either take or you don’t, and I like to listen.”
He also says he is in control of his addiction, telling the paper: “I’m a big believer that you can’t cure gambling. To this day I still put a bet on. But I have got control over my gambling now.
“I’ll never risk going back to jail again. It’s just not worth waking up on Christmas morning in a cell. I’m busy now and I have got a lot to do. I have got to make the best out of a bad situation."