Billy Kenny, once heralded as one of England's brightest football talents, reflects on his tumultuous journey during an emotional interview. Sitting in Liverpool on a September afternoon, he expresses deep anger towards Everton for their lack of support, stating, "I’m angry with Everton for not looking after me."

Kenny, who was pursued by football giants like Manchester United and Liverpool, chose to play for his beloved Everton. His brief but dazzling career included a standout performance against Liverpool in December 1992, earning him the nickname "the Goodison Gazza" from teammate Peter Beardsley. However, his promising career took a dark turn when he became addicted to cocaine shortly after his 19th birthday, leading to his retirement just two years later.

Despite battling addiction for years and facing incarceration, Kenny found solace in sobriety following his mother's death 15 years ago. He recalls, "I came off the drugs the day of her funeral and she’s given me the strength to stay sober."

In his upcoming book, written by Jamie Fahey, Kenny candidly discusses the toxic culture within the club, where drinking was normalized and support for mental health was virtually non-existent. He laments, "I needed help. I needed support. Empathy. Guidance. I received none of it."

Reflecting on his choices, he acknowledges that if he had played today, he might have experienced a different fate filled with glory rather than regret. "I feel as though it’s been stolen from me and the fans have been robbed of me as well."

As he shares his story, Kenny emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health in sports, urging clubs to prioritize the well-being of their players. His narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by young athletes and the need for systemic change within football.