Former Aberdeen and Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager Steve Paterson has checked into rehab after blowing £1million at the bookies, it was reported today.
The former Manchester United star, who lives in Moray, arrived at the Sporting Chance Clinic in Hampshire on Monday to try to tackle his gambling problems.
The 50-year-old has described his battle with depression, saying that after he was sacked as manager at Aberdeen FC, he was suicidal and could not get out of bed.
He squandered his £100,000 severance payout from the Dons within three months before racking up another £100,000 on credit cards soon after.
“In 30 years I reckon I have given the bookies more than £1million,†he told a Glasgow-based newspaper.
He continued: “Addiction is an illness. I was ill when I went to Aberdeen and I apologise to them and the fans because I knew I was ill and I shouldn’t have taken the job.†He said that he was convinced that depression was the root cause of his problems, adding: “My father was a depressive, although I don’t think it’s a genetic thing with me because when I’m not boozing or gambling, I’m usually good company.â€
Mr Paterson says he has created chaos and havoc with his lifestyle, but thanked his mother and his daughters for sticking by him. “I am so grateful to them and to the Sporting Chance Clinic for their help and encouragement,†he said.
During his time in charge at Inverness, Paterson masterminded arguably the biggest shock in Scottish Cup history when he guided Caley Thistle to their famous 3-1 win over Celtic in 2000.
During his seven years at the club he guided them from the Third Division to the brink of the SPL, before taking the vacant Aberdeen manager job in 2002.
However, in 2004 he was ignominiously smuggled out of Pittodrie in a car boot when he was sacked, later claiming it was to avoid photographers waiting outside.
Either side of his spell in the Highland capital, Paterson managed Highland League sides Huntly and Forres Mechanics.
In 2006 he replaced Iain Stewart as manager of ambitious Division Two side Peterhead, but was dismissed in January this year after a string of disappointing results.
The Sporting Chance Clinic, set up in 2000, is the brainchild of former England captain Tony Adams, who overcame a lengthy battle with alcohol addiction.
The base has been used to help various sporting figures in the past.
The £4,000-a-week course Mr Paterson is on is being funded by the English PFA, whom the former defender was a member of between 1975 and 1981.
“They have not turned their back on me,†he added.
