http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.u...ling-rumours/story-15400878-detail/story.html STOKE City match-winner Matthew Etherington has hit out at gossips who have accused him of returning to gambling. The 30-year-old winger revealed he hasn't had a bet for two-and-a-half years as he tackles a well-documented gambling addiction. ut he says indifferent form for Stoke has led some people to speculate that his problems off the pitch have returned. Etherington returned to form with a bang on Saturday as his 72nd-minute strike gave Stoke a 1-0 home win over Norwich to move up to ninth. He said: "I have heard a few people talking and shouting their mouths off. But I am not gambling and haven't been for two-and-a-half years and I am very happy. "Some people put two and two together and get five sometimes. Just because my form hasn't been as good as it has been for the last two years doesn't mean I am gambling. I don't think I have been awful this season. I am putting in performances, but not at the level that I was previously. "It happens. That's life." The winger was hampered by injury at the start of the season, but doesn't know why he has struggled to recapture his best form this campaign. Manager Tony Pulis believes confidence could be the key, in which case Etherington's strike could be a turning point. The winger surged into the area before blasting the ball between keeper John Ruddy and his near post from the narrowest of angles. The high-point followed only a few minutes after his lowest point of the game when he spurned a shooting chance. Etherington added: "It's not been happening for me, but I am as frustrated as the fans are. "It was nice to score and get the win. I was angry with myself for not shooting before, that's probably why I just put my foot through it. "It's not been going for me this year, but I work my socks off for the team, which is first and foremost what the manager wants. "I am not doing anything differently and my personal life is still brilliant as ever." Etherington's goal clinched back-to-back wins for City who beat another newly-promoted side, Swansea, at the Britannia last week.
Sgt 7/2 say's Matty is telling the truth.. it's also the same time he scored the goal on Saturday and of course the legends of 72
Potts Does anybody else see the funny side that a reformed Gambling Addict is employed by a family of Bookies Dracula and a blood bank spring to mind!
