Saved

Peter Shilton - a true gentleman, living legend and England’s most capped men’s player - kept a crippling gambling addiction secret for 45 years until it nearly destroyed his mental health, marriage and very nearly his own life. This book is Peter’s story, told in partnership with his wife Steph, and is honest and unflinching.
Not exactly a straight auto/biography, “Saved”, is intended to be a helpful guide for everyone addicted to gambling, and provides tools to help themselves and their families to deal with the addiction, including details of websites and resources. Peter and his wife Steph have become vigorous campaigners for gambling companies to be held to account.
Each chapter is told from both Pete & Steph’s perspectives and we get a candid confession from Peter about how he kept his gambling secret (a sure sign of addiction) and often lost five-figure sums monthly. As his health began to suffer, meeting Steph was the first step towards his recovery. It’s clear that she has been an absolute rock in Peter’s life, and their love for each other is clear.
Beginning with a heartfelt foreword by Gary Lineker, the book also includes a section on Peter Shilton’s practically unmatched football career, including the infamous “Hand of God” goal, and tributes to Peter from other goalkeepers. There is also a very sobering chapter on the gambling industry itself and the extent of addiction, with facts that will shock you.
“Saved” is a short but affecting read. Brutally honest, both heartbreaking and hopeful, this book is a beacon of hope for everyone who is suffering under the yoke of gambling addiction.

This was a salutary lesson about the dangers of gambling and how it can creep up on you insidiously. Peter Shilton was one of the greats and a goalkeeper that I used to cheer from afar and now I would like to give him and his partner another cheer for the brave and unflinching way tat they have admitted, discussed and dissected his gambling obsession and dispassionately described the toll it took on his health, wealth and happiness.

Packed full of information and good advice, this book should be required reading for all young footballers - or better still, youngsters from all areas of life.

Highly recommended.

Saved is an interesting & thought provokingbook about the problems ex England footballer Peter Shilton has faced due to his gambling addiction.

The chapters alternatively tell the story from both Peter and his wife Steph’s aspect and it is this which, for me, takes the book above your traditional ex sportsman’s battle.

The book also raises some very serious questions and issues that could and do affect anybody whether you have won 125 caps for England or just kicked a ball in the local park.

Recommended

What a difficult book to write. We all have our demons, but for someone so in the public eye to document such private issues, shows a tremendous courage.
As well as a book to hopefully help people with similar gambling addiction problems, this is also a love story. The impact that Steph had should never be underestimated and I loved reading her side of the story.
The book moves into a history of Peter’s career and this should satisfy all football lovers.
An eye-opener, but I have nothing but respect for this couple.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ad Lib Publishers for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.